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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It's time to start thinking about gift-giving as the holidays approach. What are some things that you like to make to give to others?
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During the Phenology Report for the week of Dec. 2, Staff Phenologist John Latimer covers first minus temperatures, bohemian and cedar waxwings, grosbeaks, owls, star-nosed moles and more.
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Events this week include Fireside Movie Night and Learn to Curl in Grand Rapids, electronics recycling in Deerwood and tuba Christmas concerts in Virginia and Brainerd.
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Nonprofit Smiles for Jake is putting on the event Dec. 6, 2025, as part of its mission to prevent suicide through positivity, listening ears and a message of hope.
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During the week of Dec. 2, we enjoy reports of an active frog and garter snake, an opposum and animal tracks in the snow. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
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Brown joined the KAXE Morning Show to discuss his recent Star Tribune column on heating assistance delays, moral judgment placed on public benefits, and his own childhood experience.