Michael Aspinwal Forsberg, age 67, of 155 So. 29th St. lot 96, Gladstone, MI, passed away Wednesday October 12, 2005 at 7:45 p.m. at St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba, with his loving family by his side. He fought courageously with cancer for 15 years. A man of undying faith and courage; he was gifted with a spirit of determination.
He was born November 13, 1937 in Ishpeming, MI and was the son of Werner and Mary (Aspinwal) Forsberg. He was raised in Ishpeming. After graduation from Ishpeming High School in 1957, he then graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelors of Science in 1963 and a Master of Arts in Education in 1969.
Michael married the former Carol LaFeir on March 8, 1958 in Negaunee, MI. He taught at Ewen, Negaunee St. Paul, Powers-Spaulding and retired from Gladstone High School in 1992. He was a high school varsity coach in five sports over a 26 year span, in baseball, basketball, football, track, and cross country. He made his mark in basketball. He won 230 games in 17 varsity seasons, coaching at Negaunee St. Paul (1966-67), Powers North Central (1967-78) and Gladstone (1978-83). In 11 seasons at North Central, the Jets won five conference titles, six Class D district titles and a regional crown in 1978. The Jets were the U.P. Class D Team of the Year in 1977 and 1978. He also instituted elementary basketball programs at Ewen and North Central. He was a high school baseball coach at Ewen (1963-66) and Negaunee St. Paul (1966-67) and coached Little League and Babe Ruth baseball in Ewen and Ishpeming. He spent four years as a football coach at North Central and had an unbeaten season in 1967. He coached boys and girls track at North Central-restarting a dormant program in 1970 and winning the Wolverine Conference and Class D regional title in 1972. He was girls’ track coach at Gladstone (1980-89).
His hobbies included golfing (hole in one on the 4th hole at the Gladstone Golf Club), bowling, hunting and spending time at camp with his family. Michael was very proud of his family and delighted in having them around him.
Michael A. Forsberg is survived by his wife Carol of nearly 48 years
Two sons: Michael of Gladstone and Mark (Beverly) of Rock
A daughter: Lori (Terry) Adams of Leesburg, FL
Grandsons: Mark O’Neil; Dennis O’Neil; Christopher O’Neil of Leesburg, FL
Granddaughters: April Forsberg of Gladstone; Leah Forsberg of Rock; Jessica DeCloux of Oconto, WI
Great grandson: Nathan O’Neil of Florida
Sister-in-law: Nancy Forsberg of Republic, MI
Several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by parents, Werner Forsberg and Mary (Aspinwal) Forsberg; sister, Audrey Laine; brother Werner Forsberg; infant sister, Judy Forsberg.
Mike was dearly loved by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
Mike’s family will receive friends on Monday from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at the Grace Baptist Church in Gladstone. Funeral services celebrating the life of Michael Aspinwal Forsberg will follow at 7:00 P.M. at the Grace Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Stephen Patrick officiating. Luncheon will follow services in the church multipurpose room. Burial will be in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone.
