Lyle & LaVonne Munns

Lyle “Mike” Francis Munns, age 94, formerly of Worthington, passed away on December 16, 2021 in Kalamazoo, MI, and was followed in death by his wife, LaVonne Louise (Lorang) Munns (age 93) on June 10, 2022. Mike and Vonnie were high school sweethearts and were married on October 29, 1949. In 2021, they celebrated their 72nd anniversary.

Mike was born near Adrian, MN on November 8, 1927 to Ralph and Grace (McCaughey) Munns. He graduated from Adrian High School and worked he worked for Hensen’s Electric and Consolidated Cooperative Farmers Elevator. He served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1953-1961, stationed first in Long Beach, CA on the destroyer tender U.S.S. Hamul and then in the reserves. Upon his return to Worthington, he went back to work for the Farmers Elevator, retiring in 1990.

Vonnie was born near Lismore, MN on July 16, 1928 to Nick and Ethel (Graf) Lorang. She graduated as the class valedictorian from Adrian High School. Vonnie worked at Booty’s Turkey Hatchery and the Farmers Elevator. While In CA, Vonnie worked in banking; upon returning to MN, she worked at the State Bank in Worthington. After staying home to raise her daughters, she worked in the Noble’s County Assessor’s Office until her retirement.

In 1966, Mike and Vonnie welcomed their daughter, Paula, followed in 1967 by Carol. They were devoted parents, who modeled authentic love and focused on making a happy life with their family. An annual camping/fishing trip to Lake Ida near Alexandria MN created cherished memories. Mike and Vonnie enthusiastically supported their daughters’ activities, rarely missing a game, performance or event. They were the best parents.

Vonnie was known for her warm smile and kind, generous heart. She was dedicated to caring for her family and her beloved parents. She was an excellent baker, whose recipes have been enjoyed by many and passed down to her children and grandchildren. Mike had quite the sense of humor and enjoyed making others laugh. He was an athlete, sports enthusiast, and outdoorsman; he was also an accomplished woodworker who hand-carved many beautiful ducks and loons. Together, Mike and Vonnie enjoyed dancing, bowling, playing cards, gardening, and coffee and conversation with their friends.

Mike and Vonnie are survived by their daughters Paula (Terry) Clare and Carol (Dan) Cooper, and five grandchildren: Ryan, Ethan, Jay (Brooke), Kelly (Chase), and Kaci. They are also survived by 3 of Mike’s siblings: Lowell, Ronald, and Donna. They were both preceded in death by their parents, an infant son, Wayne, as well as Vonnie’s infant sister, Kay, and 6 of Mike’s siblings: Lois, Ralph Jr., William, Harvey, Gerald, and Robert.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30am on Monday July 11th, 2022, at Dingmann Funeral Home in Worthington, officiated by Father James Callahan. A time of fellowship will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Monday. Burial with full military honors provided by the Worthington American Legion & VFW will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.

It is their wish that any memorial tributes be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Worthington, MN.