Marguerite Cantner

Marguerite Sue Cantner, 66, of Duluth, died Monday, February 13, 2017 at Essentia Health St. Mary's Medical Center. Sue was born in Coshocton, Ohio on October 16, 1950 to Mary Phyllis (Carpenter) and Kermit Pell Cantner. Sue was a member of the River Church.

Sue was adventurous as a child, biking all over creation and frolicking on fresh pavement barefoot, and that mischievous energy did not dissipate through young adulthood. She graduated from River View High School in Warsaw, OH, and went to college at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she studied political science. During her summers she traveled to new places to live and work -- one year Hawaii, another Colorado. She loved the outdoors, both downhill and water skiing -- and driving, though rumor has it she never bothered to get a license.

Limited to a wheelchair for most of her later years, Sue faced a trial-filled life with joy, kindness and an indomitable spirit. She became a Christian in her 20s, a faith that would carry her through the sometimes difficult decades ahead. She continued to take great joy in the simple pleasures, like basking in sunshine on the deck; the music of John Denver and the Beach Boys; romantic comedies; her cat Twinkles; and come to think of it, any cat, anywhere, and all cat-related jewelry and clothing.

Even through her disability Sue was able to enjoy skiing and swimming with Courage Kenny Northland Programs and Services, and activities from Benedictine Living Community. Sue was a faithful friend, loyal sister and cheerful roommate. She lived in Superior View Apartments in Duluth for many years, followed by a Tender Loving Care home, and finished her days for the past three years at Peace of Mind Duluth. She took great strength from her loving family of staff and roommates there, and will be dearly missed.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her siblings: Trana (Bernard) Simmons of Terrell, TX; Elizabeth Ann (Randy) Riddle of Duluth, MN; Kermit Pell (Lee) Cantner, II, of Barron, WI; and Sally (Chuck) Haavik of Duluth.
Visitation: Friday, February 17, 2017 from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. funeral service, both at the River Church, 1902 E 4th St, Duluth. Burial will be at Jackson Cemetery, Webster, WI. If so desired, memorials may be directed to "Courage Kenny Foundation," 424 W Superior St, 201 Ordean Building, Duluth, MN 55802. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home, Duluth, 727-3555.