Marilyn J. (Long) Christopherson, who served as owner and editor of two newspapers in Bayfield County, was born Oct. 10, 1929, in Superior to Milton and Etta Long. After graduating from Central High School in 1947, she went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in education from Superior State College. In May 1950, Marilyn married Frank W. Christopherson Jr., in Superior. Together they had five children, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
Marilyn held a variety of jobs during her working career, including as campaign manager for her husband, who served as a Democratic member of the Wisconsin state Senate from 1963 to 1967. He also served two terms in the state Assembly prior to joining the Senate.
Marilyn also was editor of the Iron River Pioneer and Bayfield Press when the couple owned the two newspapers. Frank served as publisher. When they weren’t running the newspapers, the Christophersons were known to spend countless hours volunteering.
Marilyn died Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019, in Duluth, Minn. She was 89.
