Mary Weidenfeller (Towle) Forslund

Mary Weidenfeller Forslund passed away peacefully on September 4, 2025. She was born February 19, 1935 in Grand Rapids to Harry and Gladys Towle.   Mary graduated from Central High School where she participated in a wide range of activities from the thespian society to the forensics team.  She attended Michigan State University, where she joined Alpha Chi Omega Sorority  and met several of her dearest friends, many of whom she maintained long-term relationships with. Mary spent her working years in the classroom Central High School, Davenport University and Grand Rapids Junior College. 

Mary was first married to her beloved husband William “Bill” Weidenfeller who preceded her in death in 1989. She and Bill had two children, John and Pete. Mary found her greatest joy in her children and grandchildren, and was always eager to share in their lives. After Bill’s passing, Mary reconnected with a former Central High School classmate, Jon Forslund.  Mary and Jon, who was also widowed, found instant kinship and joyfully married in 1991. They enjoyed many good times together traveling and joining her “MSU Crew” at homecoming weekends,  in northern Michigan and in Florida. Her love of the Spartans, was known to all and the green and white certainly ran deep! Mary and Jon shared special times together on Drummond Island—Mary always found serenity and peace in nature.

Mary thrived on connecting with others and found a myriad of ways to engage  with her communities. She was an active member of Park Church and the dear to her, Martenson Ten. She also served as a docent at Fredrick Meijer Gardens for 27 years.  Mary was a long-time member of the Kent Garden Club where she explored and extended her love for nurturing nature. Mary also curated friends with like interests and brought people together around the card table, particularly for a game of Bridge. 

Mary was also an active reader who loved exploring new genres and discussing the complexities of characters and sharing her “pearls” of wisdom with her fellow book club members. The community at Porter Hills provided a great sense of energy and companionship during her time there and she was grateful to be apart of it. 

Mary is survived by her darling sons Dr. John Weidenfeller & wife Sharon, Peter Weidenfeller & wife Jennifer; stepson Jon Jr. & wife Kimberly Henson. Mary’s precious grandchildren were a constant bright spot for her, Drew Weidenfeller; Lauren  Weidenfeller& Patrick Fischer,  Kelci Henson-Forslund; Anna  Mainero & husband Cameron Dice,  David Mainero & fiancé Mariah Reading.. In addition she leaves behind many friends as well, that love her dearly and will miss her greatly.  

Visitation will be at the Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Home on Monday, September 15 from 3 to 6p.m.  Mary’s life and legacy will be celebrated at Park Church where a memorial service will be held on Tuesday, September 16 at 1:30 with Rev. Darryl Kistler officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in Mary’s honor to Frederic Meijer Gardens and or Park Church, 10 E. Park Place, Grand Rapids 49503. 

Mary will be always be remembered for her ability to find joy, share it broadly, and live life fully. 

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