August 20, 1943 - September 18, 2025
Toni Lynne Forsland age 82, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, September 18th. She was born in Minneapolis on August 20, 1943.
Preceded in death by parents, Helen and William Whiteside; biological mother, Doryce Seabrook; two brothers, Steven Bradford and Billy Whiteside; nephew, Jesse Forsland and most beloved pets, Snoopy and Snoopy Jr.
Survived by husband of 57 years, Larry Forsland; three daughters, Kim Hoffman, April Forsland, and Jennifer Forsland; two sons and one daughter-in-law, Mark Forsland (Kerri Fuchs), and Ben Truong; and Snoopy III.
Toni was a remarkable woman whose kindness and compassion for family and friends left an indelible mark on everyone she knew. Toni attended Minneapolis Central where she was a cheerleader and the 1961 Homecoming Queen. While working as a phlebotomist at Methodist Hospital, she met her future husband, Larry. Together, they would adopt four children, foster multiple children, invite several exchange students into their home, and volunteer as mentors with Big Brothers Big Sisters. They were also one of four families to start Camp Tiger, a space for adopted Korean teens to connect with culture and each other, and which three of their children attended. A fun connection since Toni was well known to many as “Toni the Tiger.” After retirement, Toni volunteered in many schools as a teacher’s assistant, at one point even developing etiquette workshops.
When Toni wasn’t enjoying her hobbies of cleaning and chores around the house, she found happiness with the Adventure Club, a social group she and Larry started with Acacia friends, creating with her art and painting buddies, hanging out with neighbors at the cabin in Spooner, and staying connected to friends from the old neighborhoods in Oakdale, Minneapolis, and Bloomington. She loved generously and was deeply loved.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Visitation
Sunday, October 12, 2025
2:00-4:00 PM
Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel
6527 Portland Ave. S.
Richfield, MN 55423
I spent 13 years of public school with Toni and have nothing but positive feelings and memories of her. I am saddened that she is no longer in this world but rejoicing in knowing she is in the company of other Saints.
Larry, Kim, April Jennifer, Mark, and Ben – I am sorry to hear about Toni and sad for your loss and grief.
Toni and the entire Forsland family were a big part of my childhood. They were people I always looked forward to seeing. Toni and Larry were kind and generous, and loving friends to my parents. Toni was always silly, cute, and funny with her infectious laugh. She made everyone in her presence comfortable and happy. I recall one visit to their home that stretched into the night. I was stalling to leave, not wanting to go home to bed because I had been having nightmares. I shared this with Toni as I was begging with my parents to stay longer. Toni told me that anytime a frightening thought entered my mind to simply think of ice cream cones, rainbows, and fluffy clouds. I tried it that night – it worked! And it worked from that night forward. I continue to use her advice still to this day, and think of Toni with love and gratitude each time I do! What a special lady – she will always be missed.
Dear Forsland family,
I remember many fun times with your family and being Mark’s age, hanging out at your place and Korean Culture Camps, and Camp Tiger. I am deeply saddened to hear the news of Toni Tiger’s passing. My prayer and thoughts go out to you all! I’m sorry I will not be in town for the memorial services. I send my deepest condolences.
Sincerely,
Ethan Anderson
È stato un piacere per me conoscere la dolcissima Toni, un onore essere sua ospite ed averla come ospite in Italia. Grazie per l affetto che tutta la famiglia Forsland mi ha dato. RIP
È stato molto bello vivere con loro a Bloomington. Mi hanno mostrato la parte più bella della vita in Minnesota. Toni sarà sempre nel mio cuore. Rip
Toni was a joy to have in our neighborhood in Bloomington. She loved all of the children and gave many gifts on birthdays to her “surrogate grandchildren”. Her delightful personality and sparkle added so much to all of us. I fondly remember our trip to the cabin and rock painting with her. Even when she was in a lot of pain from her giant cell arthritis , she still kept a smile on her face for others. We will miss her greatly in our neighborhood.
To Larry, Kim, April, Jennifer, Mark, and Ben I send my prayers and sincere condolences for the loss of a kind, generous and loving wife and mother. As a younger cousin of Larry, I was still a teenager when Larry and Toni were married. I will always remember Toni’s welcoming smile and happy family times together, especially at Christmas.
To Larry and family: We were so sad to hear of Toni’s passing. From the days of working together at Bethesda Hospital and Central Regional Pathology, we had wonderful times going out for dinner, spending time at the cabin in Wisconsin, time on the North Shore, or just having hour-long phone conversations.
Toni was full of life, always, and will truly be missed. Our prayers and deepest sympathy.
This lady was a special person to us at Central High. Wish I could have spent more time with her.