Virgil C. “Hap” Munson

Virgil C. “Hap” Munson age 80 of Walnut Grove passed away Saturday, March 12, 2011 at Sanford Medical Center in Sioux Falls. 

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at English Lutheran Church in Walnut Grove with interment in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. 

Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Walnut Grove Funeral Home, and will continue one hour prior to services at the church on Thursday.  Stephens Funeral Service – Walnut Grove Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Hap was born August 24, 1930 on the family farm in Gales Township to Clarence and Gladys (Leonard) Munson.  He attended country school, and later graduated from Walnut Grove High School in 1948.  Hap served in the Army National Guard during the Korean Conflict.  He was stationed at Ft. Rucker Alabama.  On October 13, 1951, Hap received his honorable discharge and returned to the Walnut Grove area.  On November 23, 1952, Hap was united in marriage to Donna Rue at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lucan.  Hap lived in the Walnut Grove area all his life.  He began working in the construction business in sales before he started S.W.M in 1972. In 1976, Hap opened a bridge construction business where he worked until selling to his son Brad and son in law Curt in 1990.  In his retirement, Hap and Donna bought a resort in Ottertail County which he enjoyed.  Hap took great pride in helping his grandson Chris in continuing the family bridge construction business.  Hap was a 60 year member of the American Legion.  He was also a Shriner, and was an active member of the Methodist Church where he served on the church board, and as a Sunday school teacher.  Hap enjoyed woodcarving, working around the house, outdoor activities and landscaping.  He also loved spending time with his family and friends.

Hap is survived by his wife Donna of 58 years; children: James “Carl” (Mary) of Tracy, Dawn of Walnut Grove, Todd of Lamberton, and Kathy (Curt) Kockelman of Walnut Grove; daughter in law Teri Munson of Walnut Grove; grandchildren: Mandy, Ashley, Justin, Brandy, Cate, Sara, Casie, Chris, Jamie, Layne & Trey; great grandchildren: Gemini, Jaspher & Ava; siblings: Vernon (Shirley) Munson of Las Vegas, Doris (Len) Nelson of Balaton, Marilyn Biesemeier of Eagan, and Gary (Norma) Munson of St. Paul; and many other relatives and friends.  Preceding him in death are his parents, son Brad and bother Gene.