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Theressa (Tessie) Marie (Bakker) Marion, age 77, passed away on August 31, 2014 at Golden Living Center, Walker, MN surrounded by her family. She was a life time resident of the Whipholt/Walker area and moved into Birchview Gardens in Hackensack for the last few years.

Tessie was born January 4, 1937 to Klaas and Louise (Gauslow) Bakker. She graduated from Walker High School in 1955. After her marriage, she and her family owned and operated Cedar Springs Lodge, one of the oldest family run resorts on Leech Lake, until it was sold to the Forest Service.

After selling the resort, Tessie continued her education at Northwest Technical College in Bemidji graduating in 1995 with a degree in Bookkeeping. She worked at Reed's Sport Shop and at Northern Lights Casino until finally retiring.

Tessie was a master knitter and crotchetier. She designed and hand knit the afghans for the early years of the North Country Trail Marathon. She knit and crocheted baby ensembles for friends and family. She also hand knit and donated baby blankets to Hope Lutheran Church, Walker.

She could hand split wood like no other, do construction, electrical, and plumbing projects, run heavy equipment. She planned and made meals for over 100 guests at the resort. She was a jack of all trades and a master of all. She went to every home football, volleyball, wrestling, basketball game and band and choir concerts her kids were in. She was a 4-H adult leader, and Election Judge for Turtle Lake Township. She was an avid reader, and did crosswords in pen. And of course, a dedicated Vikings and Twins fan, so much that phone calls were not allowed during games.

She taught her children her sense of humor; cared for her loved ones like a momma grizzly; and would help any baby animal survive. Yes, she would have won the Survivor show!

She is survived by her sisters, Judy (Buzz) Sawyer and Jaleen Hayes; her children, Mathew, Wendy (John) Johnson, Mark (Mari), Julie (Keith) Hennes, Luke (Michele) Marion, Lynn (Mike), and John (Corrie); her grandchildren, Craig, Amanda, Kelsie, Cindy (Steve), Mikal, Elaine, Hailey, and Leah; and her great-grandchildren, Jacob, Jaris, Holley; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Karl, and her great-grandson, Scott Johnson (son of Steve and Cindy Johnson).

Memorial services will be held at Hope Lutheran Church of Walker on Saturday, October 4, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.[[In-content Ad]]

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