JoAnn Marie Forward

JoAnn Marie Forward Age 81, of Sarona, WI, died Saturday, September 27, 2025 in River Falls, WI. She was born on March 27, 1944 in California to Amos and Fern Martinson. JoAnn graduated from Rice Lake High School in 1962. She was married to Gale Forward in March 1964 in Long Lake, WI. JoAnn was a registrar for the Boy Scouts of America for 39 years. She enjoyed boating, camping, fishing, traveling and being with her family and loved ones. JoAnn was very thoughtful, caring and had a big heart for others. She is survived by a son, Eric (Elise) Forward; 2 granddaughters, Hannah and Amelia; 2 sisters, Darlene Martinson and Mary Fromenthal; a sister-in-law, Dorie Forward; 2 brothers-in-law, Eugene (Arlene) Forward and Greg (Carol) Forward; many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gale Forward; parents, Amos and Fern Martinson; a brother, DuWayne Martinson; 4 brothers-in-law, Will Fromenthal, Curt Forward, Chris Zercher and Rudy Hoff; a sister-in-law, Gertrude Hoff; a nephew, Thomas Forward. Funeral Services will be held at 11AM Thursday, October 16, 2025 at Long Lake Lutheran Church in Sarona, WI, Rev. Rodger Prois officiating, with interment in the Long Lake Cemetery. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the Funeral Service at the Church. Appleyard's Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with the arrangements.