Junnell Marie Widmark

Junnell Marie Widmark passed away on Monday, October 21, 2024. She was born in Brainerd, MN, to James and Della Lien on June 13, 1938. Junnell graduated from Pine River High School and St. Cloud State University. 

She married her high school sweetheart, Milo, on June 27, 1959. Following their marriage, they resided in Minneapolis, Brainerd, and Alexandria. They were blessed with four children: John, Scott, Lisa, and Paul. 

Junnell spent a year working at the University of Minnesota before becoming a stay-at-home mom. In 1979, she started working part-time at First Lutheran Church, eventually transitioning to a full-time role until her retirement in 2000. 

Junnell loved her family dearly—even coaching Paul’s mite hockey team. She and Milo never missed their children’s high school games and attended many of their grandchildren’s events as well. Her hobbies included camping and traveling to various destinations, both domestic and abroad, during retirement. At home, Junnell and Milo were devoted members of First Lutheran Church, where they enjoyed working with the youth and supporting the creation of classrooms in Tanzania through Operation Bootstrap Africa. Junnell cherished spending time with her dear friends, whether watching MN sports or simply sharing coffee. 

Junnell is survived by her children: John Widmark and wife Carleen of Alexandria, Lisa Widmark of New Hope, MN, and Paul Widmark of Crosslake, MN; eleven grandchildren: Brent and wife Cassie, Brian and wife Leah, Britta and husband Nick, Bryce, Jakob and wife Katherine, Alexa and husband Tony, Blake, Michelle and husband Jason, Dr. Daryl, Morgan, and Kortney; and eleven great-grandchildren: Riya (Michelle & Jason), Josie and Archie (Brent & Cassie), Etta and Fletcher (Britta & Nick), Ella and Milo (Brian & Leah), Tenley and Taya (Alexa & Tony), and Luna and Lily (Morgan). Also surviving are her sister-in-law, Mary Kay; nephews, Eric, Jon, and David; and niece, Karen. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Milo; her son, Scott, and his wife, Shari; her parents; and her brothers, James Jr. and Ken.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 28, 2024, 10:00 - 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church in Alexandria with a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM at the church.  Burial will be at Kinkead Cemetery.    In lieu of flowers memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church Building Fund.