Dixie A. Forsberg

Dixie Anne Forsberg, age 90, passed peacefully on June 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. She was known for her sweet smile, love for God, music, and her heart of gold.

Dixie's faith was the foundation of her life, and her family finds comfort in knowing she is now in the presence of the Savior she loved so dearly. As her daughter Deb reflected on her mother's passing, she shared, "I can only imagine how she felt when she saw His beautiful face." Though Dixie was loved by many and will be deeply missed, her family rejoices that she is now free from pain and at peace in her heavenly home.

She was born on June 9, 1936, in Peoria, Illinois, to George Bunnell and Olive Twigg.

Dixie led an amazing life devoted to serving others. Whether offering a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, or preparing a hot dish or her famous "get well soon" custard, she was always caring for those around her. She worked as a caregiver for 35 years in Dixon, Illinois, and La Crosse, Wisconsin, faithfully serving those in need.

One of Dixie's greatest passions and talents was music. She began playing piano at the age of five and continued sharing that gift throughout her life. She loved playing for Sunday brunches at the Bistro in West Salem, Wisconsin, performing for nursing home residents, and occasionally filling in at church services. Gifted with the ability to play by ear, she always played from her heart.

Her faith continued to shine through her service to the church. Dixie loved her church and church family and sang in church choirs in Illinois and Minnesota for 61 years. For more than 25 years, she faithfully led the Faithfully Fit exercise class at Prince of Peace Church, encouraging others through exercise, friendship, and fellowship. Her love for worship and service touched countless lives. Beyond her church involvement, Dixie served her community by delivering flowers for Pittengers Floral for five and a half years, brightening the days of countless people with both beautiful arrangements and her warm smile. In her final days, former pastors stopped to pay their respects, offering prayers, hugs, and words of comfort.

Dixie experienced profound loss throughout her life. She became a single mother after losing her first husband, Dwight Floto, to multiple sclerosis at the age of 39. Through it all, she remained a devoted mother to her children, Doug and Deb. She later lost her second husband, Arne Forsberg. Many dear friends also preceded her in death, including Nancy Wagner Schmidt and Jan Berg.

After the passing of her friend Jan Berg, Dixie spent time helping Jan's husband, Phil, through his grief. During that season, the two fell in love and became the sweetest couple. Their relationship was a beautiful chapter in Dixie's life, and they were truly inseparable. Phil passed away in April 2026 at the age of 92, a loss that deeply broke Dixie's heart.

Before her passing, family and friends gathered to celebrate Dixie's 90th birthday. More than 100 people came to honor her life, waiting in line for the opportunity to visit with her, share memories, and express how much she meant to them. It was a joyful occasion filled with love, laughter, and gratitude for a life so well lived. Shortly afterward, she became ill and was hospitalized, spending her final days surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Dixie is survived by her son, Doug (Mary) Floto of Rapid City, South Dakota; her daughter, Deb (Dan) Kaufmann of La Crosse, Wisconsin; grandsons Keith (Ashley) Kaufmann of Onalaska, Wisconsin, and Kyle (Jessyka) Kaufmann of Moore, Oklahoma; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Rebekah and Mason of Moore, Oklahoma, whom she adored. She is also survived by her lifelong friend, Shirley Krall of Cerro Gordo, Illinois, whose friendship began in grade school.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her maternal grandparents, Linus and Annie Twigg; husbands Dwight Floto and Arne Forsberg; two half-sisters; and two half-brothers.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to the many caregivers who provided compassionate care during Dixie's final days. Special thanks are given to her ICU caregivers, especially Amelia, who was such a blessing to Dixie and her family during a difficult time, as well as the hospice staff for their kindness, compassion, and loving care.

The family is also deeply grateful for the years of excellent medical care provided by Dr. Jannati, Nurse Mel, and Dr. Gerhard. Their dedication, professionalism, and genuine concern for Dixie's well-being meant so much to her and to those who loved her.

Visitation will be held at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home in La Crescent, Minnesota, on June 29, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held at Prince of Peace Church in La Crescent, Minnesota, on June 30, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Following the committal service at the cemetery, a luncheon will be served downstairs at Prince of Peace Church.

The family will remember Dixie for the love she shared, the music she played, the meals she delivered, the encouragement she offered, and the countless lives she touched along the way.

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free

I'm following the path God had laid you see

I took His hand when I heard Him call

I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day

To laugh, to love, to work or play

Tasks left undone must stay that way

I found that peace at the close of the day

If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss

Oh yes, these things I too will miss

Be not burdened with times of sorrow

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow

My life has been full, I savored much

Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch

Perhaps my time seemed all to brief

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief

Lift your hearts and peace to thee

God wanted me now; He set me free