Margie Ann (Vincent) Hirt

Margie Hirt, a cherished mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully departed this world on September 29th, 2023, at Golden Horizons in Aitkin, Minnesota. Surrounded by her loving family, she transitioned to her eternal rest, leaving behind a legacy of love and laughter.

Margie (Vincent) Hirt graced the world with her presence on December 6th, 1932, in Elgin, Illinois. She was the seventh of twelve children born to David and Florence (Annis) Vincent. Margie's early years were spent in Bemidji, Minnesota, where she attended Northern Elementary and Bemidji High School. Following her graduation, Margie worked as a phone operator for Bell Telephone and even graced the stage as a candidate for Miss Bemidji Carnival Queen.

In November of 1954, Margie married Robert (Bob) Himmelright, in Nary, Minnesota. The couple's journey led them to California, where Bob was stationed at Camp Pendleton, and where their daughter, Debra, was born in December of 1955. The family later moved to Washington State, where Bob worked in a paper mill. In 1960, Bob began working for Lampert Lumber in Grand Rapids Minnesota, and in 1962, their daughter Jean was born. Later that year, the family relocated to Crosby, Minnesota, where Margie immersed herself in various local businesses, including Scorpion Manufacturing, Samco, Arctic Cat, and the Crosby Hospital. She also established a reputation in town as one half of the dynamic duo known as the "recover upholstery ladies," alongside her friend Dee Chileen.

In 1980, Margie returned to her hometown of Bemidji, where she worked for her sister's local Maid Rite restaurant. On March 15, 1990, she found love again when she married Don Hirt. Margie continued to reside in Bemidji after Don's passing until 2015. As Alzheimer's began to take its toll, she moved in with her daughters, Jean and Deb, until her care requirements led her to Hallet Cottages in Crosby in 2021. Throughout her life, Margie relished regular visits from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, finding immense joy in their company.

Margie's love for card games, crossword puzzles, and coffee will forever be remembered by her family and friends. She had a special fondness for Christmas and her family was fortunate enough to enjoy endless amount delicious Christmas cookies and treats she made every year. Planting flowers, watching birds, and tending to her garden were among her greatest pleasures. Margie’s garden produced many vegetables and over the years canned hundreds of jars of vegetables and fruit with her family. Her love for music was evident as she sang, whistled, and spread joy to those around her.

Margie is survived by her sisters, Charlotte McDonald and Grace (Melvin) Olsen; her daughters, Deb Maring of Ottertail, MN, and Jean (Bill) Gravelle of Aitkin, MN; seven grandchildren, Kelly Maring, Terrance Maring, Scott Olson, Mike Olson, Stephanie (Trista) Olson, Jack Gravelle, and Bethanie Gravelle; and seven great-grandchildren, Ransom Olson, Coen Olson, Lily, Piper, and Steel Maring, Ella and Will Olson.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Don, and siblings Calvin, Russell, Tom, James "Butch," Charlie, Margaret "Gem" Kerr, Lucille Wright, Ida Hegge, and Avis Kelm.

A funeral service to celebrate Margie's extraordinary life will be held on Thursday, October 5th, at 11:00 in the morning at Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home in Bemidji, MN with visitation one hour prior.

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