Obituary of Martha Marie Didrikson

Martha Marie Didrikson, 95, of Duluth, MN passed away on March 18. She was born in Toivola (Little Swan), MN on October 1, 1924, the daughter of Victor and Helena Larva. She graduated from Toivola High School and was employed for ten years as a Sales Associate for Savolainen Jewelers of Duluth. She was a wonderful mother and homemaker. Martha was an excellent cook and baker, carrying on the traditions of her Finnish mother. She was an avid gardener. Martha took great joy in beating her children in her favorite card game of 500 Rummy. She enjoyed travel adventures to Finland and Sweden, many of the lower 48 states along with Alaska, Hawaii, and sunny visits to Las Vegas and Palm Springs. Martha was preceded in death by her former spouse, Arthur T. Didrikson Sr.; her parents; sister Mae Vakeva; and brothers Toivo and Wilbert Larva. She is survived by her children, Arthur Jr. (Barbara) of Eden Prairie, MN, Cynthia (Jeffry) Van Reese of Duluth, MN, and Anita (David) Hinsa of Coon Rapids, MN. She was the proud grandmother of Brandon Van Reese, Ava Hinsa, Tyler Van Reese, and Lee Hinsa. The family would like to thank the staff at Solvay Hospice House of Duluth for their care and kindness. Per Martha’s wishes, she will be laid to rest next to her parents in her birthplace of Toivola following a private family graveside service.