Martin Walter and Joan Arlene Forsell

Joan A. Forsell passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, at the age of 89, and her beloved husband, Martin "Bud" W. Forsell, Jr. passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 99. Together in life for decades, they remain together in eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy defined by family, service, and shared adventures.

Joan was born on June 5, 1935, to Clarence and Virginia Quinn, and was later blessed with her stepmother, Elsie Quinn. She grew up in Cashmere, Washington, with her brother, Norman Quinn (Barbara). After high school, Joan went on to college in Spokane, then built a successful career in accounting and auditing in the electronics industry at Zetec, Inc. Outside of work, she filled her days with things that brought beauty and warmth: gardening, especially planting flowers in the spring, knitting beautiful afghan blankets, cooking and baking favorite recipes and sharing them with family and friends who delighted in making them as well. Joan also had a lifelong weakness for chocolate, and was legendary for making the absolute best "Grandma sandwiches".

Bud was born on November 26, 1926, to Martin Walter Forsell, Sr. and Catherine Susan Forsell, and was later blessed with a stepfather, Ozzie Shurtleff. He was raised in Seattle alongside his sister, Karen Barker. A proud veteran, Bud served as a Merchant Marine with the U.S. Navy from January 26, 1951, to January 25, 1957, during the Korean War. He remained an active and dedicated member of the Merchant Marine Association throughout his life. Professionally, Bud spent his career as an auto parts salesman at Smith Gandy Ford and RPW. Known for his creative mind and hands-on nature, he loved drawing, tinkering on cars and boats, and spending hours out in his garage. He had a playful spirit, always ready to play games or enjoy a scoop of ice cream.

As a couple, Bud and Joan shared a beautiful life filled with deep affection and mutual interests—a journey that beautifully began when they met in a bowling league. They were avid travelers who loved exploring new places together, but they also cherished losing themselves in a good book, cuddles with their cat, Casey, and watching the whales at Depoe Bay. Above all else, they cherished family celebrations, never missing an opportunity to gather for birthday and holiday events.

They are survived by Bud's children, son Jeff (Trish) and daughter Lisa (Shawn); their granddaughters, Katie (Juan), Molly (Cody), and Megan (Ricky); and five great-grandchildren, Bud’s sister, Karen and niece Teresa (Mike), and former daughter-in-law, Kim. They also leave behind Joan’s brother, Norman (Barbara), nieces and nephew, Kristin, Steve (Mattye), and Kari (Gary); eleven great-nieces and nephews, and five great-great nieces and nephew.

Bud and Joan will be laid to rest at both Evergreen-Washelli in Seattle and Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent on Friday, November 6, 2026. The service at Tahoma will begin promptly at 2:30 p.m. Friends and family are invited to gather for a short time following the committal service.

You are also invited to sign the online guest book in care of Evergreen-Washelli at www.dignitymemorial.com. Bud and Joan's love, warmth, laughter, and devotion to their family will be deeply missed but remain forever in our hearts.