Marie Elizabeth Willemarck Ecklund Paulson

In Loving Memory of Marie Elizabeth Willemarck Ecklund Paulson

Marie Elizabeth Willemarck Ecklund Paulson, age 90, of Duluth, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 8th at Aftenro Nursing Home, surrounded by her family and friends.

Marie was born on October 19, 1935, to Henry and Mary Willemarck. She graduated from Duluth East High School, marking the beginning of her lifelong connection to the community.

Marie married Donald Ecklund on October 20, 1956. Together, they enjoyed many family trips until Donald’s passing on August 8, 1977. Later, Marie married Stanley Paulson on June 27, 1981. The couple shared a passion for traveling, including a memorable five-month adventure to Alaska with family members. They enjoyed fifteen wonderful years together until Stan’s passing on January 30, 1996.

Marie loved playing cribbage, hand and foot, bingo, and dancing to Polka music, she loved her CB in her car and had a handle of Tiny Bubbles. She was known for her playful spirit, always ready to give others a hard time and share a laugh.

Marie earned the nickname “Hockey Stick Mama” on Superior Street for buying at least three hockey sticks a week at Norman’s Reliable. In her last 26 months at Aftenro, Marie became well-known for her wit and charm, brightening the days of everyone around her. She enjoyed riding the exercise bike, participating in bingo, and visiting with staff, with her greatest joy being visits from company, especially her great grandchildren Ethan, Mason and Caden.

Marie worked at Norwest Bank (Wells Fargo) for 27 and a half years and served as the Town of Lakewood Clerk for 34 years.

Marie was actively involved in numerous organizations, including the Lakewood 4H Club, Lakewood Fire Auxiliary, Lakewood Nu Agers, Clerk of Lakewood planning and zoning, Minnesota Association of Townships, Secretary of St. Louis County Township Association, and served as an election judge for 31 years. She was also affiliated with American Bankers, American Legion Auxiliary, Women of the Moose, St. Joseph’s Guild, Duluth East Choir, Friday night bowling, and the Lakewood Centennial planning committee.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Mary Willemarck; husbands, Donald Ecklund and Stanley Paulson; siblings and their spouses, Sisters Florence (Palmer Hanson), Jeanne Segel (Tom), brothers Edward Willemarck (Jan), Leo (Betty, Marilyn), George (Oberta), Henry (Ester), Robert (Lois), nieces Diane Willemarck, Mary Holmes, Shelly Berg, nephew Steve Willemarck and step-son Michael Paulson.

She is survived by her sons, Michael Ecklund (Debbie), Tom Ecklund (Connie), daughter, Patty Johnson (Ken), grandchildren, Kristin Wills (Jeremy), Jennifer Ecklund, Donald Ecklund, Scott Ecklund (Shayne), Zeke Johnson, Summer Harris (Jeremy), Ashley MacDonald, 12 great-grandchildren, three great-great-grandchildren; special cousin Jan Hilliard (Bill), and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the entire Aftenro family for their exceptional care of Marie, as well as the Essentia Hospice team.

Visitation will be held on Friday, April 17th, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at St. John’s Catholic Church, 4230 St. John’s Ave, Duluth, MN 55803. Please see the Dougherty Facebook page for live stream of funeral. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.