Marina Vork, age 89, of Duluth, MN, passed away on the evening May 28th, 2026 at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth surrounded by family who loved her so much. Memorial Services will be held Friday, June 12 at 1:00 pm at the Ecumen Lakeshore Chapel in Duluth, MN, and Saturday, June13th at 10:00 am at the First Lutheran Church of Hinckley, MN.

Marina was born on July 30, 1936 in Thingvalla, North Dakota to Tom Economos and Sigurjona Johannesson. Her siblings included Angelina, George and John, all of whom passed away before her. She graduated from U.M.D in 1959 with a degree in Home Economics and went on to teach and inspire many young students. Even after moving into a different job sector, she remained a bright light to the many people she interacted with. As a social worker she provided hope for countless families.

In 1965 she married her husband Harold “Pete” Vork. They went on to foster two children, Carol Winsor and Devon Grant, who remained close to Marina throughout her life. Marina and Pete went on to own a small antique business in the little town of Hinckley where she resided up until 2020. Her husband Pete passed away in 2003. In 2020 Marina moved to Duluth but remained in close contact with all her friends, fellow community members, and her church in Hinckley. 

As not only an historian but a keeper of family knowledge, she kept hundreds of stories alive and passed them on to everybody who talked to her. It is truly devastating to know that much of the oral history she knew will be lost along with her. Even without her, the knowledge, passion, and love she  created will live on with her nieces, nephews, their children, and grandchildren