Marilyn Dahlquist | News, sports, jobs

Marilyn was born on March 17, 1932, in Ironwood, Michigan, to Herbert and Dora (Jensen) Cain, and grew up in Iron Mountain, Michigan, graduating from Iron Mountain High School in 1949. After high school, Marilyn moved to Milwaukee to attend school. Business School, where she began the next chapter of her life. She married Verne Charles Dahlquist on May 16, 1953. The couple lived in Geneva, New York, while Verne served in the U.S. Air Force. After Vern was released from the hospital, they returned to Michigan to live in a “vet ville” on the campus of Northern Michigan University in Marquette. For the next two years, while Vern was in school, Marilyn served as sole clerical assistant for the Corps of Engineers’ efforts to build K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base. After a short stay in Ann Arbor and Escanaba, Vern and Marilyn (now with 3 children) returned to Marquette in 1961 where the family resided at 123 E. Magnetic for 62 years.

Marilyn was known for her great energy and practical abilities. She was an avid bridge player, an accomplished cross-country and downhill skier, and an avid DIYer before that was a thing.

Marilyn was a talented seamstress and knitter, and her wallpaper-making skills were legendary. A woman of many talents, she has also maintained an active lifestyle, working out and lifting weights faithfully for over 30 years. Her boundless energy and commitment to her family were the cornerstones of her life. She spent summers at the family cabin on Lake Sawyer, where she hosted family gatherings and created lasting memories. Marilyn’s dedication to adventure and family extended beyond day-to-day care when she and her sister Nancy embarked on a 7,000-mile road trip when she was in her 80s.

Marilyn was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church of Marquette, where she was an active participant in church life and a source of support to those around her.

Marilyn is survived by her children: Betty Dahlquist of Martinez, California; Susan Dahlquist of Richmond, Virginia; and Mark (Onso) Dahlquist of Brunswick, Maryland. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Matt Barnett, Jason Barnett, Michelle Dahlquist, and Lindsay Dahlquist; grandchildren Rowan and Winnie Barnett; and many of her nieces and nephews, including her best friends Joan Potvin and Joan Mevsky.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Vern Dahlquist; Grandson: Christopher Parent and three sisters: Gladys Halpin, Nancy Ball, and Beverly Bates.

Marilyn will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, love of family, and unwavering commitment to living life to the fullest. She will be greatly missed, but her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her.

In keeping with Marilyn’s request, no public services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to the Noquemanon Trail organization (noquetrails.org).

Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family where online condolences may be expressed at fassbenderswansonhansen.com.