Marilyn Ruth Nyquist, age 95, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27, 2025 in Water-view Shores Nursing Home in Two Harbors with her family by her side.
She was a true fighter overcoming numerous health and fall issues over the past few years. She was born in Flint, Michigan and raised in Duluth, Minnesota by her parents, Jennie and Albin Mattson and stepfather, Archie Olson. She graduated from Denfeld High School with the class of 1947. She was an executive secretary at KBJR TV, Hotel Duluth and Continental Telephone in Two Harbors and Duluth for many years. She also sold ads for the Lake Superior Circle Tour magazine and worked at the Information Center in Two Harbors.
Marilyn was a current or past member of Emmanuel Lutheran Church and the quilting group, original member of the Voyager Art Club, Friends of the Library, Veterans of Foreign Wars Women’s Auxiliary, and the Two Harbors Curling Club.
She met the love of her life Robert “Bob” Nyquist after he served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict at a dry dance in Duluth. Five years later they met again in Minneapolis and fell in love. They were happily married for 68 years and were true soulmates- cherishing their time spent together, whether it be attending the I.B.E.W. electrical retiree monthly lunches; getting away during retirement on warm winter trips to Florida, Texas and Alabama joining many of their Two Harbors friends. She loved spending quality time at the breakwater together. She loved the members of her gal’s daily coffee clubs and activities with her many friends. She enjoyed many hobbies such as knitting afghans and warm winter hats and mittens for women and kids; She delighted in going on the Harbor Mates Senior monthly bus trips, especially the twice per year overnight trips to local casinos. She kept active with her daily outside walks and kept in shape at the hospital fitness center. She loved reading books and novels.
She is survived by her son, John Nyquist of Maple Grove, MN; grandson, Brian Nyquist of Crystal, MN; sister in-law, Laurie (Floyd) Johnson of New Brighton, MN; and many nieces and nephews whom she cherished.
Marilyn was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bob, of 68 years; beloved son, Jeff; parents, Jennie and Albin Mattson; Stepfather, Archie Olson; In-laws, Violet and Oscar Nyquist; Sister, Phyllis (Mark) Mullin and brothers, Robert and Richard.
Special thanks go out to Dr. Diercks, Aspirus St. Lukes Hospital and clinic support staff, Anita and Waterview Shores support staff, Glen and Laurie, Jim and Mary, Robin, Julie, and all the wonderful caretakers and special friends who assisted her.
There will be a reception for close friends and relatives at the Cremation Society, 4100 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN 55807 on Friday, March 21, 2025 from 1 –3 PM. Please bring your favorite memories of Marilyn. Interment of her remains will be in the Veterans section of the Lakeview Cemetery in Two Harbors along with husband Bob at a future date. Condolences and cards may be sent to John Nyquist, 9194 Goldenrod Lane North, Maple Grove, MN 55369.
