Louise Forster
Louise (Soukup) Forster passed away peacefully at Divine Providence in Sleepy Eye with family by her side on Saturday March 28, 2026, at the age of 80.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye with Christian Mothers Rosary at 3:30pm and a Prayer Service at 3:45pm prior to the visitation. Visitation will continue on Friday from 10:00am until 11:00am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church – North Entrance. Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, April 17, 2026, at 11:00am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sleepy Eye and will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stmarysleepyeye. The clergy will be Fr. Tanner Thooft. Interment will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Arrangements are with Sturm Funeral Home in Sleepy Eye. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
She was born on April 24, 1945, in Sleepy Eye to Sylvester and Connie Soukup. She attended St. Mary’s Catholic School, graduating in 1963.
Louise dedicated many years of her life to caring for others. She worked at St. Mary’s School as a Title I aide, where she touched the lives of many children with her patience and kindness. She later worked at AUI/Norwood Promotional Products as a proofreader for more than 20 years, before retiring in 2010.
She was blessed with four children, nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, whom she adored.
Above all else, family was everything to her. She was always present—rarely missing a game, event, or special moment. She had a beautiful way of making each person feel loved and remembered, often sending thoughtful cards for every occasion. Her kindness and warmth were felt by everyone she met—she truly left a smile on the face of every person she spoke with.
Louise was a woman of deep faith, who loved Jesus with all her heart and often spoke of Him as her friend. Her faith guided the way she lived—with love, honesty and compassion. She lived her faith through her involvement with St. Mary’s CCW and Christian Mothers as well as her commitment to Adoration weekly.
She had a generous heart and was always willing to help in any way she could. Her positivity and strength, both quiet and steady, carried her through life. She faced each day with grace, never one to complain, and always choosing kindness. She uplifted others and was an inspiration to those who were blessed to know her.
Louise found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments—spending time with family and friends, reading, flower gardening, feeding and watching birds, putting together puzzles, and creating diamond art. One of her most cherished traditions was the family’s annual pickle canning day, a time filled with laughter, love, and togetherness.
She is survived by sons, Todd Forster, Grand Forks ND and Jerry (Sue) Forster, Minnetrista MN; daughters, Lisa Hoffmann, Sleepy Eye MN and Kristy (Mike) Suess, Sleepy Eye MN; grandchildren, Jesse (Emily) Hoffmann, ShyAnn (Bradley) Depuydt, Kallie (Emma Beddoe) Forster, Megan Forster, Mackena Forster, Brayden Suess, Kiauna Suess, Jaxsen Suess, and Eliana Suess; great-grandchildren, James and Josie Hoffmann and Hartlyn Depuydt; siblings, Patricia Reddy, Joyce Schwartz, Tim (Lena) Soukup, Mary Lu (Jim) Schwartz, Joe Soukup, and Sylvia Ruiz; and many nieces and nephews. They will forever carry her love in their hearts.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sylvester and Connie Soukup; brother, Donald Soukup; sisters, Mary Louise Soukup and Rosie Carlson; brother-in-law, Fritz Reddy; sister-in-law, Jean Soukup; and uncles, aunts and cousins.
Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing she is now in the loving arms of her friend, Jesus—free from pain and suffering—and reunited with loved ones who have gone before her.
Her love, her faith, and her beautiful spirit will live on in all of us.
Mom, we will miss you deeply and love you forever. Thank you for being the best Mom.
