Melany Munger

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife and mother, Melany Lou Munger, who passed away on July 3, 2024, at the age of 75.

Memorial services will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 10, 2024, at American Lutheran Church in De Smet, SD, with Pastor Gary Anderson officiating. 

Burial will be at Erwin Cemetery in Erwin, SD. 

Born on June 24, 1949, in Huron, South Dakota, she grew up in De Smet and Lake Preston, South Dakota, and later traveled extensively as a military wife before returning to her home state to live and retire in Erwin and De Smet, South Dakota. She was a dedicated wife to her husband, Wilson Munger, and a devoted mother to her children: Teresa, Dawn and Angela.

As a military spouse, Melany traveled to many exciting places including living in Fulda, Germany for three years. While living in Germany she was able to travel to many European countries and she had many fond memories of her experiences at that time. After Wilson retired from the Air Force and the family moved to Erwin, Melany joined the Erwin American Legion Auxiliary and served as Auxiliary President for many years. She enjoyed organizing and leading the annual Erwin turkey dinner.

Melany was a very creative person. She had a passion for sewing, embroidery, crochet, and various other crafts. She sewed many clothes for her children when they were young, and they have wonderful memories and pictures of matching outfits with each girl having her own color to differentiate them. She made many embroidered tablecloths, dish towels, and pictures for the people she loved. She also made many crocheted afghan blankets, many of which are still used and treasured by those she gave them to.

She was an avid, lifelong reader and especially loved romance novels. Over the years she collected many books and even after she began reading on her Kindle she still liked to have the physical books near her as they were such an important part of who she was.

Many fond memories her daughters have of Melany involved music and dancing. She loved singing along to music in the car and would play music while cleaning or working around the house. Teresa remembers cleaning house with American Bandstand playing on the TV, and Angela has many memories of her singing along to contemporary music while driving and “dancing” with her hands. She also loved to cook, and all of her daughters fondly remember her cooking and baking.

She is survived by her husband, Wilson Harold Munger; daughters: Teresa Violet Martin, Dawn Kristine Ward, and Angela May Olson; her four grandchildren: Cassandra Charlotte Munger, Maevin Isabella Ward, Hannah Jo Tuttle, and William Michael Ward; and one great-grandchild, Kristopher Jaymes Santiago Ortiz Munger- who all will miss her dearly.

Melany was very close to her sisters and brother, and they were an important and continual part of her life. She is survived by her sister Frankie Olsen, sister Roberta Spencer, brother Reginald Ibis, and sister Theresa Olson.

She was preceded in death by her father Alvin Ibis, mother Mildred (Siver) Ibis Baker, sister Diana Knipfer and grandson Dustin James Munger.

Rest in peace, Melany. You will forever be in our hearts and memories.

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel                                                        www.crawfordosthus.com

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