Margie was born on August 15, 1948, in Duluth, Minnesota, and grew up in Duluth Heights, just up the hill from the neighborhood Dairy Queen. It was a joyful place to be a child, full of imagination, freedom, and simple pleasures—root beer floats on lucky dime days, snowy hills in winter, and long summer days spent outdoors with siblings, friends, and the family dog.
Margie was one of four children and learned early how to be observant, resourceful, and independent. Friendships shaped her childhood, whether with neighborhood pals, school friends, or companions at the family cabin, where days were filled with swimming, water skiing, bonfires, and exploring the woods. As a teenager, music was a constant presence, carried on a transistor radio, and she still remembers the thrill of attending a Beatles concert as a young girl.
Shy and studious, Margie found school challenging but discovered confidence through work. She began her career at MnDOT, where she thrived in a technical role that blended art and math—her two favorite subjects. She later discovered a deep love for geology and hoped to major in it, though the career paths available to women at the time made that impossible. Over the years, she worked in design and engineering offices, community youth programs, and later in in home daycare, where she delighted in teaching, games, crafts, and shared discovery. She eventually returned to engineering work using AutoCAD and spent many years at SEH, Inc.
Margie met her husband while working at the Duluth Airbase. Together they raised two children and built a life through work, moves, and shared responsibility. In this season of life, Margie is devoted to her husband as he lives with Alzheimer’s. She also cares for her dog, Gigi, a small spaniel, and a large cat named Buddy, which bring her comfort and routine. Margie values friendship and shared experiences and would welcome companionship—someone to talk with, enjoy activities or outings, and share everyday moments alongside the life she already leads.
