Obituary/Sheila Lynn Forst, 54

Sheila Lynn Forst, age 54, of Greenbush, Minnesota, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Perham Health in Perham, Minnesota, surrounded by her family and close friends.

Sheila Lynn Englund was born on October 17, 1971, in Roseau County, Minnesota, to Galen Earl Englund and Sharon Lee (Lindwick) Englund. She was raised in the Grygla and Greenbush area and remained closely connected to her roots throughout her life.

Sheila was baptized and confirmed at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Grygla, Minnesota, where her faith began and remained an important part of her life. She attended Grygla High School, completing her education there.

Sheila was first married to Mike Vertine, and during their five-year marriage, she endured the heartbreak of five miscarriages. Doctors told her she would never be able to have children, a reality that brought years of pain and loss and tested her strength in unimaginable ways. Later, Sheila married Doug Forst, and together they were blessed with a son, Skyler. His birth was nothing short of a miracle to her. After all the sorrow she had carried, Skyler became her greatest joy, her greatest pride, and the light that gave meaning to every hardship she faced. His love carried her through life’s darkest moments and filled her heart with the happiness she had long hoped for.

 

Through high school, Sheila worked for the City of Grygla. She worked at Polaris Industries for several years, at Paradise Café, as a Paraprofessional in the Greenbush-Middle River Public School, as a Home Health care giver and most recently at Up North Treasures in Greenbush.

Sheila was up to do anything, she loved to spend time with family and friends, and she liked the “God Winks”. She loved supporting family and friends at sporting events, taking pictures, and loved helping others. 

Sheila was a woman of extraordinary heart, strong, funny, faithful, passionate, and deeply loved. She had a way of making people feel seen, safe, and welcome. Whether through conversations, a laugh, a heartfelt text or simply her steady presence. Even in her hardest seasons, she continued to point others towards hope. She lived with courage and authenticity; she knew suffering and joy. She was the kind of person who could sit with others in their pain while still helping them find light. Her faith was not performative; it was lived, especially in the way she loved people fiercely and honestly. She loved adventure, beauty, and connection. From wide open skies and meaningful travels, to quiet moments with those whom she held dear. She treasured her people deeply, and in her final days, that love was returned in full measure as family and dear friends gathered around her holding her hands, speaking life, sharing memories and praying over her, and walking her all the way home. 

Sheila held deep gratitude for the countless acts of love, kindness, help, and support she received throughout her life. 

 

Even through illness, Sheila remained herself, choosing hope, encouraging others and reminding people, “even on the hard days, believe there is good in the world.”  “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Sheila will be remembered for her quiet strength, her devotion to family, and the love she shared with those closest to her. She valued time spent with loved ones and appreciated the simple moments that made life meaningful.

Sheila was preceded in death by her father, Galen Earl Englund; five angel babies; and several aunts, uncles, relatives, and friends.

She is lovingly survived by her son, Skyler (Carly) Forst of Greenbush, MN; mother, Sharon Lee Englund of Warroad, MN; siblings, Glenn Englund of Grygla, MN, Allen (Stacy) Englund of Goodridge, MN and Tina (Mike) Krueger of Salol, MN; nieces & nephews, Asa, Ariel, Gunnar, Ethan, Evan, Jax, Chance and Steele; cousins, Shane (Annie) Lindwick and their children, Shawn (Jackie) Lindwick and their children; aunts, Shirley (Clayton) Omlid and Betty Loiland; her Prayer Warriors; along with other family members and friends who will cherish her memory.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 6:30 PM Prayer Service on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at The Venue at Copper Ridge, 29111 Center Avenue North, Newfolden, MN. The service to celebrate Sheila’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at The Venue at Copper Ridge. A time of lunch and fellowship will follow. Burial will be at Espelie Cemetery, rural Grygla, MN.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com