Beloved father, son, brother and friend, Brian J. Forss, age 59, of Sheboygan passed away far too soon on January 21, 2023, in Sheboygan, WI. Brian’s Soul left his physical body to journey on to a wondrous place full of peace, love, and beauty where he is free from any pain or suffering. He entered this world on May 21, 1963, born to Henry and Claudette Forss in Quincy, Massachusetts. In 1968, Brian moved to Wisconsin with his family where he resided for the majority of his life, previously living in Waukesha and Edgerton, WI. He graduated from Sheboygan’s North High School in 1981, and then went on to attend the University of Minnesota where he received a Bachelor of Arts in architecture. Brian was very active within the University, holding various leadership roles, such as co-captain of the men’s crew team, vice president of Alpha Rho Chi Professional Architecture Fraternity, and Special Events Coordinator for the campus-wide University Community Action Network (UCAN). He received awards such as the National Greet Merit Award and President’s Student Leadership Award.

Similar to his involvement during college, Brian never ceased to be actively involved within the communities he was a part of. Brian cared deeply about doing his best to help others and make this World a better place. During his life, Brian volunteered and fundraised for various organizations, including: Habitat for Humanity, Minnesota Vikings Children’s Fund, United Way, YMCA, National Student Campaign Against Hunger, Minnesota Diabetes Institute, Radiate Hope Foundation, PTA Reflections Art Program, and the Edgerton Coalition for a Healthy Community. Brian also completed a mission trip to San Marcos, Guatemala, where he used his talent and skills in architecture to help build a total of 24 roundhouses in one week.

Throughout his career, Brian held roles in architecture, sales, and project management. From 2003 to 2008, Brian worked as an International Project and Facilities Manager for Tomotherapy, Inc., where he collaborated with various professionals in order to prepare for the installation of cancer-fighting medical equipment. During that time, Brian’s work required him to travel often to places such as Germany, Italy, Japan, and Belgium. While his schedule was intense, Brian so loved the opportunity to befriend his international colleagues, building relationships and cultivating once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Brian’s architectural mind was constantly inspired by his surroundings throughout his travels, especially the countless cathedrals and basilicas across Europe.

There are many gifts that Brian shared with us during his time on this Earth, but perhaps one of the greatest gifts Brian shared with us was his creativity. Brian was a talented artist who spent countless hours drawing, painting, and taking photographs. Brian’s life offered him an abundance of inspiration–from the cathedrals and basilicas in Europe to the hay bales and tobacco barns of Edgerton, WI. His art leaves a legacy of the beauty he witnessed and his original ideas brought to life. Under the pen name Toto Mont, Brian featured his work in local art shows and galleries throughout his life, allowing others to witness his brilliant works of art.

Out of all the things Brian accomplished and created in his life, the thing he was most proud of was being a dad to Brian Henry and Autumn. He was actively involved in his children’s lives–coaching tee-ball and soccer; telling them stories and singing them Edelweiss at bedtime; shouting “Go Marlins!” at Brian Henry’s Little League games; cheering at the end of the lane at Autumn’s swim meets; staying up all night to help them finish school projects that they’d procrastinated on; and never ceasing to remind them how proud he was to be their dad. Brian’s face always lit up when he talked about his kids, and spending time with them was one of his favorite things in the world.

Although his time on Earth was cut short, Brian lived a beautiful, fulfilling life in which he made a tremendous impact on the lives of others. He was kind, compassionate, humorous, creative, and charismatic. You could always count on Brian for an intellectually stimulating conversation, or a goofy facial expression or remark. A lover of coffee, nature, movies, cigars, and sports–especially football and golf–Brian was a joy to spend time with. If you knew Brian, it’s likely that you can think of a time when he made you laugh, smile, or feel understood. He had a way of using his vibrant personality to make others feel special; whether it was spending a little extra time to get to know his server at a restaurant or giving a stranger in a coffee shop a small sketch he drew on a coaster while drinking his morning brew. Let us all remember Brian for the special person that we knew him to be, and help him to live on through our own acts of kindness, big and small.

Brian is survived by his children, Autumn and Brian Henry Forss; mother, Claudette Forss; and siblings, Mark (Janice) Forss, Steven (Deirdre) Forss, and Jennifer Forss.

Brian is preceded in death by his father, Henry “Hank” Forss, and his sister, Judith Forss.

A Memorial Service for Brian will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at First Congregational UCC, 310 Bluff Ave. in Sheboygan, with Pastor Jim Hollister officiating. For those who would like to attend, a visitation will be held on Saturday, at church, beginning at 12:00 PM until the time of the service.

The family would like to thank Ballhorn Chapels Funeral & Cremation Care Center for their support and assistance during this difficult time.

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