Betty Munkel, 94

July 29, 1926 —

March 3, 2021

 

LIME SPRINGS - Betty Rose (Robinson) Munkel, age 94, passed away on March 3, 2021 in Cresco, Iowa. 

A memorial service will be planned and announced at a later date. Lindstrom Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. 

Betty was born on July 29, 1926 to Norman and Hazel (Sigler) Robinson in Saragota, Iowa. She lived in and around Lime Springs all of her life, moving to Evans Memorial Home in Cresco in July 2018 and Country Winds Manor – Patty Elwood Center in December 2020.

Betty attended country schools in the early grades and graduated from Lime Springs High School in 1944. She attended Iowa State Teacher’s College in Cedar Falls, Iowa for one year and Hamilton School of Business in Mason City, Iowa. 

She worked as a bookkeeper for Lime Springs Produce until her marriage to Harold Munkel on April 21, 1949. To their union, five children were born, Cynthia Diane, Teresa Ann, David Neal, Diana Clare and Robyn Jane.

After her children were all in school, Betty worked as bookkeeper at the Times Plain Dealer in Cresco for over 16 years.

She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Lime Springs, where she served as an Elder and Clerk of Session, sang in the choir and taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years. After the church’s closing in 1994, Betty transferred her membership to Saratoga Presbyterian Church. There she was active in the United Presbyterian Women and their sewing projects. When it became necessary to care for Harold at home, she regularly attended Lime Springs Methodist Church. She attended the Women’s Society gatherings as she was able to get away.

Betty was a member of the Lime Springs American Legion Auxiliary from 1955 until they cancelled their charter in 2013, serving as its president for several years. She was also a life member of the Cresco VFW Auxiliary. Throughout the years, Betty was a member of various local organizations, including the Howard County Historical Society, Friendly Circle Club, Chat & Do Club, Lime Springs Senior Citizens, Lime Springs Community Club and Cresco Squares square dance club. She also served as a guide at Lidtke Mill. She donated her time and talents freely to the town and citizens of Lime Springs for all occasions and events. 

Betty’s hobbies included gardening, canning, baking, sewing, embroidery, crossword puzzles, travel and playing rousing games of cards with her family.

She is survived by her children, daughters, Teresa (Richard) Mogensen of Royal Palm Beach, Fla. and Robyn Seaton of Eden Prairie, Minn.; son, Dave Munkel of Lime Springs; son-in-law, Paul Dvorak of Eden Prairie; grandchildren, Christian (Michelle) Mogensen of Rochester, Minn., Matthew Mogensen of Eden Prairie, Owen Seaton of Maple Grove, Minn., Joshua Dvorak of Bloomington, Minn., Zachary Seaton of Eden Prairie, LCpl. Hugh Seaton, USMC of Washington, D.C. and Brandon and Bradley Munkel of Lime Springs; and great-grandaughters, Ava and Amelia Mogensen of Rochester. She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her parents, Norman and Hazel Robinson; daughters, Cynthia Munkel (infant) and Diana Dvorak; brothers, Ronald (Bub) Robinson and Jack Robinson; sister, Dorothy Rapp; sister-in-law, Mae Robinson; and brother-in-law, Raymond Rapp.