Mary M. Forcier

Mary Forcier of Rush City passed away on Monday, April 21, 2025 at her home at the age of 81.

Mary Melvina (Williams) Hanson was born July 16, 1943 to Floyd Williams and Rosella (Lindbo) Williams in Bagley, MN. She was the youngest of four children.

Rosella and her husband Floyd parted ways and Rosella moved the family to Douglas, ND in 1945. Mary's mother Rosella met Joy Hanson and the family moved to a farm in Bethel, MN in 1947. From there the family moved to Columbia Heights in 1951. In 1952 the family moved back to Isanti to the Gerdin Farm. During that time Mary was blessed with three little brothers Lynn, Kenny, and Thomas, and 11 step siblings. As a child Mary was a tomboy. She told many stories about how she would play with snakes and toads, ride her bicycle, play hide and seek, kick the can and go fishing.

Mary and her three younger brothers along with their mother were caretakers of Gerdin Cemetery south of Isanti. Mary attended School District 911, a one-room schoolhouse where she completed through the 6th grade. From there she went to Cambridge High School. She was confirmed at the Lutheran Church in Isanti.

Mary left home in 1960 at the age of 17 and she worked at Munsingwear in Minneapolis sewing underwear. She met and married William (Bill) Forcier and together they had four kids. They moved to Rush City in 1975 where they had a small farm near Rush Lake. They divorced in 1987. Mary left Rush City and met Rollo Greimann, and in 1988 they moved to Buffalo, WY.

During her time in Wyoming Mary loved too hunt, fish, garden, ride her four wheeler, and ride snowmobile as well as baking, crafting, and playing cards. Mary and Rollo welcomed many friends and family into their home as they had many visitors in Wyoming. During the summer of 1999 the two of them drove from Wyoming to Alaska. They spent one month on the road driving and sightseeing. Rollo passed away in 2008. Mary continued to live in Wyoming until 2010. She then decided to move back to MN to be closer to her kids and grandchildren.

Mary's love for the mountains in Wyoming was indescribable. Living in Wyoming she became a very avid hunter. She hunted deer, antelope, moose and elk. She was most proud of her accomplishment in becoming a crossbow hunter. She was even more proud of the moment when she shot a 6-point bull elk at 50 yards away.

Mary will be missed by many. She always had a witty, sassy sense of humor. Her love and laughter will forever be cherished. Her kindness and strength will forever inspire us. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren here in Minnesota. She made the best lefsa. She loved her pets. She had many including her two most beloved toy Yorkies, Tuffy and Buster.

Mary is survived by her son Jeff Forcier of Brunswick; daughters Dawn Forcier of Rush City and Maschelle Waits of Buffalo, WY; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings Lynn (Jean) Hanson of Isanti, Tom (Denise) Hanson of Isanti, Estella (Mike) Winch of California; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Floyd Williams and Rosella Williams Hanson Dahl; son Darrin Forcier; siblings Sonny Williams, Ida Bellin, Kenny Hanson.

A celebration of Mary's life will take place Saturday, May 10, 2025 from 2-5 PM at the Olson Funeral Chapel in Rush City.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City, Olson Chapel.www.FuneralAndCremationService.com