Merlyn R. Munson

Merlyn Robert Munson, age 83, a lifelong resident of Cannon Falls, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, April 13, 2013 at Angels Care Center in Cannon Falls. Merlyn was born on December 5, 1929 in Cannon Falls, the son of Robert and Irene (Nelson) Munson. He was baptized, confirmed and longtime member at St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church in Cannon Falls, and graduated from Cannon Falls High School in 1948. He married Florence M. Stoffel on July 14, 1956 in Hudson, WI. Following graduation, he went to work with the family business, Munson Construction and Munson Implement. He later worked at various jobs, including excavating, truck driving, and delivering fuel oil and lumber. He worked at Midwest Imports as a handy man until retiring. He then worked as a custodian at Gemini. Merlyn loved to play cards, especially cribbage, euchre and 500. He loved to tell stories, and his favorite was about when he was shot through the head accidentally in 1944. He was a 23-year member of the Cannon Falls Volunteer Fire Department, and was Boy Scout Master for 2 years. He also served one term on the Cannon Falls City Council, and was a volunteer driver for Meals on Wheels for many years. A man known for his gentle nature and welcoming smile, he will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Robert "Bobby"; and brother, Marlow. He is survived by his wife of over 56 years, Florence; children, Machelle (Ted) Anderson of Cannon Falls and Steve (friend Arlene Banitt) of Plainview; 3 grandchildren, Keith (Jenny) Munson, Dustin (Holly) Anderson and Brook (Peter) Erickson; 7 great-grandchildren, Preston, Zoe and Oliver Munson, Kalee and Cami Anderson, Brekken and Cara Erickson; sister, Beverly Winchell of Mesa, AZ; and many nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 16 at 11:00 a.m., with visitation from 9-11 a.m., at St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church. Interment will follow at St. Pius V Catholic Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Bill, Steve and Dick Winchell, Gene Stoffel, Jim and John Brickner. Honorary pallbearers will be Keith and Jenny Munson, Dustin and Holly Anderson, Brook and Peter Erickson. Memorials are preferred to St. Ansgar's Lutheran Church and Shepherd's Center of the Cannon Valley.