Marjory Atkinson

Marjory Lois Atkinson left this world on November 14, 2024, while in her home surrounded by several of her children. 

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 12:30 PM, Friday, Nov. 22, at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 519 Raymond St, Bismarck. 

To view the service livestream, click this link Mass Livestream | Cathedral of the Holy Spirit | Bismarck, ND 

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Thursday, Nov. 21, at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. A rosary/vigil service will begin at 7:00 PM.

Born in Bismarck on July 5, 1927, daughter of Mary Lois (McGettigan) and Joseph Barth, Marge graduated from Bismarck High School in 1945. She attended the College of St Catherine, St Paul, MN for two years, then transferred and graduated from the University of North Dakota with a BSBA degree in Marketing. 

Marge returned to Bismarck and worked at Inga’s Dress Shop in downtown Bismarck. Her high school friend, Myron Atkinson, came home from finishing law school and on their first date they both knew that they wanted to be best friends forever. Myron and Marge were married at the Cathedral of the Holy Spirit on July 21,1951 and began a 66-year marriage adventure together.

Marge loved life more than anything else, and lived for her husband, Myron, and her family, friends, and faith. She was a strong and gracious presence at her husband’s side in community service, Bismarck State College, University of Mary, Republican Party, and other community activities. Marge and Myron were Baroness and Baron Von Folkfest. Marge served as a Girl Scout Leader, a Cub Scout Leader, and wherever else she could show love and support for her children and the community.

Marge and Myron traveled extensively to locations such as Europe, Egypt, the Amazon, China, Russia, and Central America, especially Guatemala. They enjoyed being winter residents in Leisure World, Mesa, AZ, for over twenty years where Marge was active in LW Mixed Chorus, playing bridge, long walks with Myron, and other social events and gatherings.

She and Myron had seven children who are Timothy (Faye), Bismarck; Sister Kathleen, Bismarck; Thomas (Robyn), Bismarck; Patrick (Julie), Bismarck and Eden Prairie MN; Elizabeth (Murray Wolf), Plymouth, MN; John (Sharon), Mesa, AZ; and Paul (Lisa), Prior Lake, MN. As a mother, Marge was strong when strength was needed, soft and loving when the heart required healing, and wise and humorous when her children wanted a friend.

Marge is survived by her seven children and spouses,17 grandchildren: Isaac Pavlicek, Shannon Johnson, Joshua Atkinson, Kelli Erdmann, Derek Atkinson, Scott Atkinson, Ernesto Atkinson, Andrew Wolf, Matthias Wolf, Sophia Wolf, Nicholas Atkinson, Christian Atkinson, Julia Atkinson, Marjorie Atkinson, Maria Thompson, Joseph Atkinson, and Michael Atkinson, and 8 great-grandchildren: Jordan Pavlicek, Jayda Pavlicek, Aurora Johnson, Aidan Johnson, Abigail Johnson, Barrett Erdmann, Briggs Erdmann, and Bowen Erdmann. 

Marjory was preceded in death by her husband, Myron, in 2017, her parents, and her brother Glenn.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Ministry on the Margins, PO BOX 3065, Bismarck, ND, 58502, or GOD'S CHILD Project, PO BOX 1573, Bismarck, ND, 58502.