Ingemar Forsblad

passed away at Bronson Methodist Hospital on August 22, 2016. He was born on June 18, 1927 in Goteborg, Sweden, son of Axel and Elsa (Andersson) Forsblad. He had been a resident of Portage since 1959. Ingemar grew up on his family farm in Vastergotland, Sweden, attending elementary school in Herrljunga. After completing education at a 3-year technical college at Boras, Sweden, he worked several years in industry, using his interest and skills in chemistry. Not satisfied with his engineering degree, always wanting to know more, he set his goal on university studies, which brought him to Uppsala University, where he joined the Chemistry Institute in 1951. After seven years of research, he received a Ph.D. degree in Organic Chemistry from Professor Arne Fredga. New goals were set, and Ingemar applied for a post-doctoral fellowship at Florida State University with Professor Leffler. During the year at FSU he interviewed for permanent employment at various industries. The offer of choice came from The Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan. In 1989 Ingemar retired after 30 years with the company, during which time he advanced to Plant Manager of Fine Chemicals. He received a W.E.Upjohn Award in 1973. Now retired, he could enjoy his hobbies of photography, art studies, gardening, and skiing. He was a member of the American Chemical Society, the Kalamazoo Institute of Art and The Gardenettes Garden Club. He also became a Master Gardener through MSU Extension Services. Skiing was his passion. With 40 years of season passes at TimberRidge Ski Area, he often left work to enjoy downhill skiing. On weekends he would delight in teaching his children and grandchildren the art of skiing. He enjoyed travels to visit famous gardens and interesting countries like Portugal and Costa Rica, during which travel he always carried his video camera for later showing of beautiful movies. Ingemar was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Bengt, and a brother in-law, Per Tornros. On April 6, 1957 he was united in marriage to Karin (Rosengren) Forsblad, who survives. Also surviving are a sister, Mona Tornros, Goteborg, Sweden, children, H. Peter Forsblad of Kalamazoo, and Annika M. (Brian) Piazza of Plymouth, Indiana, and grandchildren Benjamin and Annalise Piazza of Plymouth, Indiana, and several nieces and nephews. A cremation has taken place. There will be no funeral or visitation. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Kalamazoo Institute of Art, Portage Public Library, or any organization of your choice. Please visit Ingemar's personalized webpage for online guestbook or to leave a condolence. Arrangements were made by Langeland Family Funeral Home.