Dennis Sheldon Forbord

Dennis Sheldon Forbord, 91, of Alexandria, Minnesota (formerly of rural Benson), died peacefully on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Knute Nelson Care Center in Alexandria, surrounded by family. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 5, 2025, at East Zion Lutheran Church in rural Starbuck, with a visitation beginning one hour prior. Burial will be at the East Zion Church Cemetery immediately after the service.

Dennis was born February 3, 1934, to Milla and Albert Forbord on the family farm in Langhei Township, Pope County. He attended country school at Pope County District 65 through eighth grade and then Benson High School, where he graduated in 1951. While in high school, he played the cornet in the school band and was a member of the Langhei Aces 4-H club.

Church was always Dennis’s passion. He was a devoted member of the Lutheran church, being baptized and confirmed at East Zion. As a member of the Luther League youth group, Dennis enjoyed attending monthly meetings to discuss scripture and deepen his faith. His favorite part of the group was playing games outside and singing songs with his close friends. In adulthood, Dennis was actively involved in church-sponsored groups such as the Church Council, Men’s Klub Supper, and various renovation projects.

After high school, Dennis met the love of his life, Marceline Greene, at a Valentine’s Day dance at the Lakeside Ballroom in Glenwood, Minnesota. Soon after, Dennis and Marce married on October 20, 1956, at St. John’s Church in Villard, Minnesota. The happy couple was blessed with four children: Marlys, Dean, Donna, and Mary. His family was particularly important to him. He especially enjoyed family Christmas gatherings - attending holiday services and programs, reading the Nativity story, singing carols, and enjoying Norwegian dishes and treats.

From an early age, Dennis devoted his life to his farm. He spent his youth farming with his three brothers and then later in life with his wife and children. Dennis was regularly active in the Farmers Union and the Langhei Township Board and was immensely proud of the life he sustained for himself and his family.

Dennis enjoyed several hobbies, including roller skating (a date night favorite with Marce), bowling, skiing, woodworking, old-time dancing across the Midwest, and most of all, flying planes! He was also a football fan, particularly of his favorite team, the Minnesota Vikings.

An incredibly kind and gentle man, Dennis had a quick wit and a smile to share with anyone he encountered. His persistent honesty and integrity shined through every aspect of his life, and he will be remembered forever for his dedication to the church, love for his family, and kindness he demonstrated to the people he loved. Dennis will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Dennis is survived by his wife Marceline Forbord; children: Marlys Pickrell of Seattle, Washington, Dean (Joanne) Forbord of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Donna (Jon) Huot of Stratham, New Hampshire, and Mary Farr of Minneapolis, Minnesota; eight grandchildren: Kari, Elizabeth, Josh, Ashley, Amber, Kailey, Malik, and Markus; three great-grandchildren: Karac, Sunny, and Charlotte; and many nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Milla and Albert Forbord, brothers: Roland, Adlore (Olive) Forbord, Myron (Ida) Forbord, and son-in-law Christopher Pickrell.

Blessed be his memory.