Margaret Wilson

Margaret Wilson

1939 - 2025

Margaret "Marge" Wilson, age 86, of Grand Rapids, MN, peacefully passed away surrounded by family on Monday, October 20, 2025, at her home.

Marge was born in 1939 to Adolph and Josephine Suihkonen in Duluth, Minnesota. She grew up in the Duluth area, attended local schools, and graduated from Central High School.

Marge moved to Grand Rapids in 1961. After being widowed, she met Melvin Wilson in 1968 on New Years Eve at the Eagles Club and the pair were united in marriage on May 7, 1973. Together they built their house on Prairie Lake where they lived their entire lives. Marge called her house "the most beautiful place in the world." She enjoyed watching the lake and the wildlife that lived on it.

Marge had various secretarial jobs, including the Welcome House (Chamber of Commerce), The Wild Rice Council, power company local union IBEW 160, and for her son at the Itasca Body Shop. She was an active volunteer for over 40 years at the hospital, a very involved member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church for over 60 years, where she taught Sunday school and many other things.

Along with enjoying the wildlife at the lake, she enjoyed dancing, taking walks, putzing with her flowers, and camping. Mel and she went on many RV trips to various music festivals. She is known for her strong faith and her kind heart.

She is preceded in death by her parents; first husband, Lester Schlink; and sister Carol Catanzarite; grandsons Joshua and Matthew Schrag; nephew, Donald Suihkonen Jr. Marge is survived by her husband of 52 years, Melvin; children, Tina Oliver, Brett (Karen) Schlink, Todd Schlink, Melanie (Daniel) Ridgway, Michelle (Michael) Barnhart, and Maureen (Richard) Darrnell; sisters, Nellie Mann, and Mary (Joe) Reseland; brother Donald Suihkunen; 13 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.

A visitation will be held at Rowe Funeral Home, Grand Rapids, MN, on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, and then again at Zion Lutheran Church in Grand Rapids, MN on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM and lasting until the 11:00 AM memorial service. Burial will immediately follow the memorial service at Itasca-Calvary Cemetery in Grand Rapids, MN.

The family would like to thank St. Croix Hospice and Jordyn, from Absolute PCA for the excellent care that Marge received. In lieu of flowers, donations are preferred to the Alzheimer's Association.

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcrematory.com.