Marjorie Ann Hawkins

Marjorie “Marge” Hawkins, 89, was called home to the Lord on Oct 31, 2021 at Crystal Brook Senior Living Center in Park Rapids, Minnesota. Marge was born in Park Rapids on August 12, 1932 to Rev. Christian and Borghild (Strommen) Nissen. She was raised and educated there, graduating in 1950, and attended Bethel College in Mankato for a short time. On January 1, 1951 she married Orville Hawkins and moved north of town to the family dairy farm. Thus began years of living as a farmer’s wife, canning and freezing their extensive garden's fruits and vegetables. In addition, Marge and Orville grew beautiful flower beds which received community recognition and were the talk of the town. She remained in the family home they built until moving to Crystal Brook in 2019. Music and faith were lifelong passions of Marge’s. She played the French horn in high school, the organ at her father’s Sunday services, and to the delight of the family, the home piano while accompanying Orville’s singing. She was an active, long time member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. For several years she was an Avon representative, selling their products out of her home. In 1964 she began working in the Hubbard County Treasurer’s Office, retiring as County Treasurer in 1994. Using her gift of gab she always liked serving the public. Marge was an excellent seamstress, providing her children with the latest in fashion wardrobe, and always dressed smartly herself. She also enjoyed travel, often visiting her children in Alaska, Montana, and Idaho. Her other travel adventures included London, Hawaii, several U.S. states, Las Vegas, and the Caribbean. In 2002, while in her 70’s, she accompanied her youngest daughter to China for the adoption of one of her granddaughters. In her later years, her favorite hobby was mowing lawn. In her two battles with cancer, “Grambo” was a real fighter. She was resourceful, had a dry sense of humor, and occasionally displayed her Norwegian stubbornness. She loved family, allowed her children to make their own decisions, and strongly believed “it is what It is.” She is survived by her sister Dorothy of California, daughters Cheryl (Neal) and Jean (Greg) of Montana, and son Tom (Peggy) of Idaho. She also leaves behind her five grandchildren Aaron, Mark (Rachel), Shannon, Amanda, and Katie, great grandson Jordan; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Edgar, Eugene and Arthur, husband Orville, son Timothy and granddaughter Kasey. Special thanks to Armin, Kathy, Pattie, Bill, and other Park Rapids relatives for their years long assistance whenever mom needed it. Also thanks to the staff at Crystal Brook and the CHI Hospice team for the loving care and attention they provided to mom. The family is planning a Celebration of Life in the spring will be held May 14, 2022 at St John's Lutheran Church in Park Rapids. Donations in Marge’s name can be made to a charity of one’s choice.