BEMIDJI — Professor and artist Marlon Davidson passed away at age 88 last week. Marlon was born in Deer River, MN, but his family moved to Grand Rapids, where he graduated high school.
He attended BSU where he met his life partner Don Knudson. They moved to St Paul in 1959 but returned to Bemidji in 1987. Marlon taught as an adjunct and fixed term instructor in the visual arts department in Bemidji.
Marlon retired in 2006 and devoted his time to writing and making art, often with his partner Don. Their collaborations are in public and private collections across the US and in Europe.
After a 61-year partnership, Marlon and Don were united in marriage on Thanksgiving Day 2019. Marlon said, “I got what I wanted in life, someone to love, a safe and happy home, and the freedom to make art.”
"He was a lovely, sweet man, but he was no pushover. He was a serious artist and he knew what he wanted and he said what he wanted all his life and he told us what he wanted... he was a great personal kind of influence," Mitch Blessing said during the KAXE Morning Show.
Listen to our conversation with Mitch Blessing above along with Marlon's appearance with Don on "Call of the Wild."
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Contributed/Laura WadstenThe new documentary from Hunterbrook Media investigates the St. Regis Paper Co. Superfund site, a former wood treating facility in Cass Lake, Minnesota. -
Events this week include an event for Native American Heritage Month in Chisholm and a holiday decor swap in Pine River. -
Contributed/Chad KaddatzStaff phenologist John Latimer responds to nature reports from around the state. On Nov. 3, 2026, we hear of a hunting bobcat, falling leaves, and possible frog names. -
During the Phenology Report for the week of Nov. 3, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on dandelions, hunting season, and young ravens' destructive habits. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEAs Election Day approaches, Shannon Watson of Majority in the Middle reflects on journalism in a healthy democracy, why verified facts matter and how we can navigate political disagreements with more grace. -
Events this week include a book sale in Bemidji, local theater in Gilbert and the First Friday Art Walk in Grand Rapids.
