Marilyn Hartwig, 74

Marilyn Andrea Hartwig passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, surrounded by family, in her home in Bemidji, MN.

Her funeral was held on Monday, November 3, 2025, at New Salem Lutheran Church in Turtle River, MN. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery in Bemidji that same day.

Marilyn was born to Raymer and Louise Hoyum on May 22, 1951, in Blackduck, MN. She attended School in Kelliher, MN, graduating Salutatorian in 1969.

Marilyn started her lifelong caregiving at home, helping to care for her baby sister and later her nephew, Roger. After her marriage to Ron Davidson, she continued her caregiving in Baudette, where she cared for their two children and operated a daycare for over 20 years, making a positive impact on hundreds of children and their parents. She continued her caregiving by helping to raise and mentor her grandchildren. 
While living in Baudette, Marilyn was very active in First Lutheran Church, serving on various committees including the women’s groups, building committee, and the Cookbook Creators. She volunteered her caregiving skills in the community as an EMT, Hospice volunteer, home healthcare worker, hospital volunteer, and within her family by becoming the primary caregiver for her parents.

Marilyn was an avid crafter, doing old jewelry art, hardanger embroidery, crocheting, making Angel Bags for the hospital, and whatever else she wanted to try. She had a passion for collecting Cabbage Patch Kids, and her car seldom passed a garage sale or thrift store without stopping. She would frequently hold garage sales of her own.

After her marriage to Ken Hartwig, they enjoyed many camping trips by themselves or with their Good Sam Club. They traveled around the country and spent some quality time in Arizona. She also enjoyed several tours, including Norway, Europe WWII sites, Chicago, and New York City with her sister Cindy.

Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Raymer and Louise Hoyum. She is survived by her husband Kenneth Hartwig, son Patrick Davidson, daughter Christina (Randy) Moyer, Grandchildren: Amity (John) Shaleen, Madison Whipple, Nathan Betterman, Heidi Whipple, Tanner Whipple, step-grandchildren Katelyn (Matthew) Montana, Zachary Moyer, step sons Matthew (Stephanie) Hartwig, Nathan Hartwig, step grandchildren, Brisbane and Sydney as well as 2 step great grandchildren. She is also survived her brothers Loren (Edith) Hoyum, Robert (Cheryl) Hoyum, Gerald (Wanda) Hoyum, and her very special sister, Cindy (James) Bronczyk, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations and memorials may be made to the Kelliher High School Scholarship Fund, or your favorite charity in her name.

Condolences may be left at ceasefuneralhome.com.