Munsinger, Edris “Viola” (nee Alto), age 98, of Brooklyn Park, Minnesota peacefully passed away on July 7, 2021 after a long life filled with countless memories, family, and friends. She was born on a farm in Cokato, Minnesota in 1922 to a Finnish-speaking family. Vi did not learn to speak English until she started grade school in the tiny elementary schoolhouse that was situated on land donated by her father at the bottom of their driveway. Vi was born left-handed but made to use her right hand in school. As a result, she was ambidextrous. For example, she wrote with her right hand, but drew with her left. Her high school years were in town where she traveled to and from by horse and buggy (or sleigh). She graduated from Cokato High School in 1940 and moved to Minneapolis and independently supported herself working a variety of jobs (something most young ladies of that era didn’t often do). By 1943, she met and married her beloved first husband, Frank Grossinger, with whom she raised 5 daughters and made many happy memories together. After being widowed in 1968, Vi met and married her cherished second husband, Earl Munsinger, in 1969. They shared 44 loving years together. Vi’s pride and joy was her family and the loving bond shared. She devoted her life to being a wife and mother and was a friend to all. In her spare time, Vi enjoyed gardening, birdwatching, hand crafts, sewing, going to the casino, and attending church. Especially close to her heart for over 40 years, was the women’s auxiliary of the Crystal VFW where Vi generously and patriotically gave of her time and talents. As a member of the VFW’s honorary Military Order of the Cooties Auxiliary, she volunteered as a bingo worker, spaghetti dinner worker, blood donor, clown, quilt maker, Meals on Wheels deliverer to homebound individuals, and countless other projects for the benefit of veteran causes. Her efforts on their behalf twice earned her the title of Chaplain of the Year for the entire United States of America, an honor for which she was deeply grateful.
Vi was preceded in death by her first husband Frank Grossinger, her second husband Earl Munsinger, and her oldest daughter Carol Dugan, as well as her parents John and Minda Alto, sister Doris Mathews, brother Delmar Alto, sons-in-law Richard Crowell and Joseph Dugan, and her daughter-in-law Brenda Munsinger.
She is survived and will be dearly missed by 4 daughters: Janice Crowell, Donna Pettman (David), Jeanie Darbro (David), Judy Bradford (Douglas); 3 stepsons: William Munsinger, Thomas Munsinger (Debbie), David Munsinger; 9 grandchildren: Cheri Lindstrom (Mike Dorn), Carin Sands (Thomas), Scott Crowell (Susie), Brad Crowell, Leif Dugan (Terry), Christi Bergley (Drew), Joseph Munsinger, Andrew Munsinger, and Steven Munsinger; 9 great-grandchildren: Amber Johnson, Adam Lindstrom (Sydney Bielawski), Lauren Weiss (Nathan), Dianne Sands, Abigail Dugan, Joseph Dugan, Olivia Bergley, Levi Bergley, Isis Munsinger; 3 great-great-granddaughters: (Hannah Johnson, Gabriella Johnson, Eleanor Weiss), numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, friends, and many honorary “kids” who lovingly called her “Mom”.
Special thanks to all who loved her and brought joy to her life. Thanks most of all to God, who loaned her to us for all these precious years.
A memorial service in honor of her life will be held at 1 p.m. on August 4, 2021 at First Lutheran Church of Crystal, 7708 62nd Ave. No, Brooklyn Park, MN 55428. Visitation prior to the service starts at 12 p.m. in the Community Room. Lunch will be provided in the church basement following the memorial service. A private interment will be held at a later date at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
