Marge “Tinky” Laiti, 87, passed away suddenly and peacefully on January 15, 2024 with family and hospice staff at her side at Diamond Willow-Proctor. Less than four hours prior, she had enjoyed singing along to her favorite old gospel tunes including one of her favorites, “I’ll Fly Away”.
Marjorie Ann Hall was born to Ernest and Frances Dolly (Gallant) Hall on September 3, 1936, in Duluth. She enjoyed her childhood growing up in Two Harbors, graduating from Two Harbors High School in 1954. Marge and her husband, Peter Laiti raised their family in Duluth Township and moved back to Two Harbors for their retirement years.
Marge loved being involved in the lives of her nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She was committed to them through traveling to their competitions and performances, being supportive, and being a part of their lives.
Marge had fond memories of working and golfing at Lakeview Golf Course which her parents ran for several years. At Two Harbors High School, Marge played the French horn in the orchestra and was a lead majorette. Marge had a long career in bookkeeping and enjoyed gardening, volleyball, snowmobiling, and gatherings with family and friends.
Marge was most known for her volunteer work and was recognized as Lake County’s 2013 Volunteer of the Year. For many years, she was known as “Grandma Marge” to her reading students at the Minnehaha School and Two Harbors Public Library. Marge also visited residents at nursing homes and participated in many other community support activities.
The United Church of Two Harbors played a large role in Marge’s life. She was active as a Deacon, Trustee, and Council Member. She also helped organize and aid with the Sunday school, women’s activities, and bible studies.
Marge was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Peter Laiti. She is survived by her brother, Ernest F. “Bud” Hall, Jr.; her children, LuAnne (Dan) Anderson, Connie Laiti, Mark (Sheila) Laiti, Mary (John J.) Mitchell, Joy (Mike) Gretsch, and Kris (Ron) Betcher; her grandchildren, Christy (Joshua) Scheall, Craig Anderson, Phillip (Jami) Anderson, Mari Jimnack, John R. (Patricia) Mitchell, Hannah (Andrew) Bergoon, Andrew (Ariel Rice) Gretsch, Matthew Gretsch, and Finnley Betcher; and her great-grandchildren, Alayna Scheall, Jackson Scheall, Trenton Anderson, Ethan Anderson, Emily Anderson and John J. Mitchell.
The family would like to thank the staff of Diamond Willow and St. Croix Hospice, Dr. Ingrid Nisswandt-Larsen and Stephanie Walters from Essentia, the United Church Family and many friends for the compassionate care they showed Marge and her family.
Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the 11:00 AM service on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the United Church in Two Harbors. To share a memory or leave an online condolence please visit www.cavallinfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the United Church for the Two Harbors Area Food Shelf.
