Paul Gust Forslund

Paul Gust Forslund, 77, of Ironwood, MI passed on May 25, 2025 after a lengthy battle with chronic kidney disease. At the time of his death, he was in his Cape Coral, FL home with family by his side.
Paul was born on January 25, 1948 to Carl and Lillian Forslund in Ironwood, MI. After graduating from Luther L. Wright High School in 1966, he went on to Gogebic Community College where he earned an associate degree in business in 1968; Paul transferred to University of Wisconsin – Superior (UW-S) and earned a bachelor's degree in business/marketing in 1970.
Paul started working at age 10 with his parents in their family business, Forslund Building Supply (FBS); after his UW-S graduation, he entered the business full-time, eventually taking over as president of the company when his father retired. During his 50+ year tenure at FBS, the business expanded to different locations in the U.P. and northern WI. Paul was also involved with various other real estate and business ventures over the years. When Paul retired, he sold the family business to his son.
Paul married Beth (Korpela) of Bessemer, MI, in 1974, and they had two children, Britt and Gus. Paul and Beth were active members of the community and spent a lot of time at their children's activities and traveling as a family. Beth preceded Paul in death in 2007.
In 2011, Paul wed Candace (Gunderson, Snyder). Paul and Candace spent their retirement as snowbirds, living in Ironwood, MI for half of the year and in Cape Coral, FL for the other half. They also were able to travel together before he became ill.
Over the years, Paul was the president of Wisconsin Retail Lumberman Association, chairperson of the Gogebic Economic Development Council, as well as treasurer and, later, director of National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association for which he made frequent trips to Washington, DC; he also spent 29 years as stockholder and director of the First National Bank of Wakefield. Paul was a member (and president) of Ironwood-Hurley Rotary Club, board member of the Ironwood Chamber of Commerce, treasurer of the Superior Range Shooter's Club, and was involved in many other community events and organizations.
Paul's hobbies included coin/stamp collecting, fishing (especially on Lake Superior), and hunting (including all over the western states and Canada). Paul enjoyed sharing stories of his business experiences, as well as his many fishing and hunting adventures.
Paul was a council member of Zion Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran churches in Ironwood; in later years, he and Candace split their time between their Lutheran and Presbyterian churches. Paul found comfort in his faith and has now joined his loved ones in heaven. Paul will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and willingness to help others; he will be deeply missed.
Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Lillian Forslund; brother, Mark, (who died as an infant); wife, Beth; parents-in-law, Richard and Ethel Korpela; parents-in-law, Charles and Anneta Gunderson; brother-in-law, Roger Stenroos; and numerous aunts and uncles.
Paul is survived by his wife, Candace; daughter, Britt (Spencer) Slade; son, Gus (Stacy) Forslund; grandchildren, Eli and Elsa Slade; stepchildren, Alison (Stu) Walker and Greg (Anne Marie) Snyder; step-grandchildren, Abby Dovin and Keaton Walker; sister, Linda Stenroos; sister-in-law, Sue Korpela; nieces, Sarah (Matt) Kiefer and Kim (Curt) Harpster; nephew, Mike (Amy) Stenroos; several great-nieces and nephews; many other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held 9-11 a.m., on Saturday, June 28, at Trinity Lutheran Church, E5104 Margaret Street in Ironwood, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m., with Pastor David Jacob officiating.
After the service, there will be a luncheon in the church fellowship hall.
Donations in Paul's memory can be made to Superior Range Sportman's Club or Trinity Lutheran Church.
Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield, is assisting the family with arrangements. To send online condolences or to share a memory, please go to lakesidememorialchapel.com.
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