Marie Rita Flicker, a woman defined by her unwavering kindness and devotion to family, passed away peacefully April 1, 2026, at Essentia Health in Duluth, MN. She was 77 years old.

Born in 1948 in Pierz, MN, to George and Alvina Happke, Marie grew up with a foundation of faith and family that guided her throughout her life. After graduating from Pierz High School in 1966 and attending college in Brainerd, she began her career at St. Cloud State University.

On May 1, 1971, Marie married the love of her life, Marn Flicker, in Pierz. Together, they built a beautiful life of partnership and shared hard work. For 30 years, they owned and operated Flicker's TV & Appliance in Monticello, where Marie's warm smile and genuine care for people made every customer feel like a friend. In 2006, they retired to Grand Rapids to enjoy the Northwoods.

Marie's heart was always in motion. She was as comfortable on an ATV or snowmobile as she was at her piano or with a book in her lap. Marie also possessed a courageous kind of empathy. As an amputee, she turned her personal journey into a mission of service and was an inspiration for those facing similar paths. She empowered others to live with the resilience she practiced every day. Her faith was central to her life; she was a dedicated member of St. Andrew's Lutheran Church and a proud member of PEO (Philanthropic Education Organization).

Above all, Marie was a pillar of love for her family. She is preceded in death by her parents, her step-mother, her step-sister Barbara Bohrer, and her brother Robert Happke.

Her legacy of kindness lives on through her husband of 54 years, Marn; her two sons, Tom Flicker (Dean Keteri) of Vancouver, WA, and Jay Flicker of Jupiter, FL; her sisters, Sylvia Kruschek, Renee (Larry) Litke, and Bea (Collin) Gau; her brothers, David (Jean) Happke and Alvin Happke; and a large, loving extended family of nieces, nephews, and countless friends who were blessed to know her.

A visitation will be held on Thursday April 16, 2026, beginning at 9:30 AM at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids, MN with a Celebration of Life Service to follow at 11:00 AM at the church, co-officiated by Rev. David Anderson and Fr. Jerry Weiss.   Burial will be at Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery, Little Falls, MN.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to https://wiggleyourtoes.org/

Arrangements are with Rowe Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Grand Rapids, MN. To sign the online guestbook or send condolences, please visit www.rowefuneralhomeandcreatory.com.