This memorial website was created in memory of Marlene Forstrom (Hemmingsen), 71, born on May 3, 1944 and passed away on November 6, 2015. Please add a photo, share a story or take time to remember her life.
For 13 years Marlene was treated for Myelofibrosis, a rare slow moving but eventually fatal blood cancer. She had participated in many new drug trials and was active in the community of those that shared her affliction.
On Thursday, November 5th she was admitted to the hospital with unusual pain related to her disease. While in the hospital her condition unexpectedly and rapidly deteriorated and she passed peacefully Friday morning surrounded by her family.
Marlene is survived by husband Larry; children John, Angela and Kristy; siblings Warren, Janet and Shari; sister-in-law Susan Forstrom; grandchildren Kaylie, Cade and Jagger.
The family will have a private memorial service and asks that in lieu of flowers you please make a donation in her name to the MPN Foundation or a charity of your choice.
MPN Foundation donation site: https://www.givedirect.org/give/givefrm.asp?CID=12140
If you wish to make the family aware of your donation to the MPN Foundation, please check "My donation is In Honor or In Memory of someone special" and include the email address Clarkpar4@aol.com.
Tributes
Leave a tributeI can celebrate you today. I can honestly say, that you are one of the most selfless people I have ever met. You literally took me off of the street. I was so burdened by insecurity and mistrust when you found me that I am still surprised today that I was unsuccessful at scaring you off. When we first met, I was 16 years old, homeless, and so angry that my reactions were scary even to me. I can not be certain what you saw in me at that time, but I am certain that you must have ignored everything else except for the fact that I was a 16 year old boy in trouble. You opened your home to me. You fed me.......I still snicker to myself today when someone says they are starving. You clothed me......because John's clothes sorta fit. You gave me a place to sleep.........I remember clearly, shaking the chemicals out of my body with my head on your lap. You loved me.........In spite of multiple attempts to convince you of how un lovable I was, there you were, heart wide open. I remember over the years that we were very close how skeptical I was of your love for me. I used to dread our talks!! I was always so afraid that you would find out who I was and throw me out of your life. You were so persistent, always wanting me to risk more. I Remember the morning I told you all there was to know about Will. I was angry at the end of our talk, even raising my voice to you. I was preparing for the inevitable rejection, but you told me that I was hurting, not angry, and that I should tell the truth about what I was feeling. That was the most vulnerable I had ever been in my whole life, and some how you managed to support me and get on my case all at the same time. I still marvel at that(you did it over and over). Our relationship was not typical. Some days you were a mother, some days you were a sister, some days you were a counselor, and all days you were a friend. I am sure there is a case study somewhere that says our relationship crossed some professional boundary for a psychologist, but the author of that study can BITE ME (I know that would make you smile), because you saved my life.
You taught me that the word love is just a word, but that the action of love can change the world. Your love certainly changed me.
I will miss our chats on facebook. I did love catching up with you every couple of months. I especially loved when you told me how proud you were of the man I had become. Perhaps, because you knew me so completely, it meant so much more to me. I am sad, you taught me how to be that, but I can also celebrate, because I know that I am only one example of the investment that you made in human beings. You are gone, but your love will echo through time as those of us that have been fortunate enough to have been touched by you, pay it forward.
Love always - Willi
She was not passive about acting on her beliefs and causes she felt strongly about. Such an example for all of us. Speak out, act and Iive as if it is your last day. I will miss her dearly. My love to the family. Sue
I'm sure the family has lots of wonderful and delightful memories to carry
in their hearts of a wonderful Wife, Mom, Grandparent, Friend and all around terrific lady.
Thanks to all for the kind words.
First of all, our deepest sympathies are with you during this time of loss. We do so hope that you are finding comfort from your family and friends, and that the pleasant memories of your wife, mother, and grandmother will help you during this time.
Marlene had great strength. Early in her life a rotating airplane propeller hit her in the head, and although she was in the hospital for an extended time, Marlene miraculously survived. The year following that terrible accident she was able to compete in a pageant and won.
After Dick's tragic death, she was a single mother for numerous years. On her own Marlene did such a marvelous job of developing intellect, moral character, and social skills in her two wonderful children John and Angela. Later she also nurtured Larry's very special children. Her spirit will live on through these loved ones.
She lived in close proximity to her parents' winter home in Arizona. Marlene also gave time and energy to support them as well.
Insightful advice was given willingly by her to family members. Marlene will truly be greatly missed by her family.
Love, Trish
I had the pleasure of sharing a few moments with Marlene & Larry down here in costa rica. Her smile & laughter and genuine kindness is something I'll never forget...
My thoughts and prayers are with you & yours...
Sincerely,
Thomas
Leave a Tribute
I can celebrate you today. I can honestly say, that you are one of the most selfless people I have ever met. You literally took me off of the street. I was so burdened by insecurity and mistrust when you found me that I am still surprised today that I was unsuccessful at scaring you off. When we first met, I was 16 years old, homeless, and so angry that my reactions were scary even to me. I can not be certain what you saw in me at that time, but I am certain that you must have ignored everything else except for the fact that I was a 16 year old boy in trouble. You opened your home to me. You fed me.......I still snicker to myself today when someone says they are starving. You clothed me......because John's clothes sorta fit. You gave me a place to sleep.........I remember clearly, shaking the chemicals out of my body with my head on your lap. You loved me.........In spite of multiple attempts to convince you of how un lovable I was, there you were, heart wide open. I remember over the years that we were very close how skeptical I was of your love for me. I used to dread our talks!! I was always so afraid that you would find out who I was and throw me out of your life. You were so persistent, always wanting me to risk more. I Remember the morning I told you all there was to know about Will. I was angry at the end of our talk, even raising my voice to you. I was preparing for the inevitable rejection, but you told me that I was hurting, not angry, and that I should tell the truth about what I was feeling. That was the most vulnerable I had ever been in my whole life, and some how you managed to support me and get on my case all at the same time. I still marvel at that(you did it over and over). Our relationship was not typical. Some days you were a mother, some days you were a sister, some days you were a counselor, and all days you were a friend. I am sure there is a case study somewhere that says our relationship crossed some professional boundary for a psychologist, but the author of that study can BITE ME (I know that would make you smile), because you saved my life.
You taught me that the word love is just a word, but that the action of love can change the world. Your love certainly changed me.
I will miss our chats on facebook. I did love catching up with you every couple of months. I especially loved when you told me how proud you were of the man I had become. Perhaps, because you knew me so completely, it meant so much more to me. I am sad, you taught me how to be that, but I can also celebrate, because I know that I am only one example of the investment that you made in human beings. You are gone, but your love will echo through time as those of us that have been fortunate enough to have been touched by you, pay it forward.
Love always - Willi
She was not passive about acting on her beliefs and causes she felt strongly about. Such an example for all of us. Speak out, act and Iive as if it is your last day. I will miss her dearly. My love to the family. Sue
Marlene's Laugh
Although we both grew up in Minnesota and graduated from the same college, I didn't meet Marlene until I joined MHCC. We had similar views about many things and often jokingly said that if the world would just listen to us it would be a better place. In the 10 years since we began playing golf together, Marlene was my "go to" partner. She was always ready to join me for guest days, the Classic, Ladies Day or just a casual day of golf. Although it was obvious more recently that she wasn't feeling great, she didn't complain but instead looked for a reason to be happy and laugh. That's what I "see" in my mental image of Marlene - head thrown back and laughing loudly at something that she enjoyed. The time I spent with Marlene is treasured and I'm so happy to have those memories -- especially of her laugh.
Thursday golf group
I played golf with Marlene on Thursdays for many years! She loved golf, and we loved the way she marked her ball with all the squiggly lines. Always in a good mood, never complained about her health, you would never know she was fighting cancer, until you asked her about her treatments, then you realized how incredibly "tough" she was.
She loved her kids and especially her grandkids , her smile was amazing when she talked about them. If she wasn't talking about her kids it was about her dog! A real animal lover for sure! And of course Larry, who she adored.
Our longtime group of girls that played here on Thursday mornings will not be the same without her.
Carol Noel
crappie fishing on Shetek
Our families would gather together at the Hemmingsen cabin on Lake Shetek. When Marlene was about 14 or 15, we went over to the boat house to fish for crappies (fish). While I was fishing, Marlene was urging the crappies to mate. She would say, " come on you two, don't by shy" I had to laugh out loud. " Marlene, why are you doing this? How would I know she would some day become a marriage counselor. It all started with counseling the fish. It was really a fun experience and one I always remembered.
Darwin Burda