John Munson

John Richard Munson, 74, passed away on February 9, 2026, in Lamoure, North Dakota.

Born on September 25, 1951, in McVille, North Dakota, John spent his life deeply rooted in the land and values of rural North Dakota. He had a very close relationship with his grandmother, Hilda Bakke, while growing up. John attended school in Lakota and completed an AAS at Lake Region College in Devils Lake. In 1972 John married Kristi Rost and they raised three kids on the family farm south of Lakota. He worked most of his adult life milking dairy cows and grain farming alongside his father, Arvid, and son, Ken. His dedication to farming and love for the land were evident in every season he worked through and every field he tended.

In 2002, John married Phyllis Schultes and began a new chapter in Jamestown, North Dakota. There he took on new roles at Cavendish Farms and later at Sears. In 2012 and 2013, he split his time between Jamestown and Ray while working as a security guard at a Capital Lodge. During that time, he stayed with his daughter Kary and her family. Eventually, John and Phyllis settled into retirement in Edgeley, North Dakota.

John was known for his generally quiet demeanor—he was often a man of few words. But when something struck him as funny, his laughter was infectious—so much so that it would leave everyone around him in tears from laughing along. He had a deep appreciation for John Deere tractors and enjoyed collecting model versions of them over the years. Farming remained not just a career but a lifelong passion. He also had a fondness for coffee and any kind of baked goods—a simple pleasure that brought him joy.

He is survived by his beloved wife Phyllis Munson; daughters Jennifer (Vern) Ryan and Karolyn (Michael) Moltzan; son Kenneth (Stacy) Munson; grandchildren Elizabeth (Clay) Feldner, Klae Ryan, Colton (Beca) Ryan, Emily Ryan, Cody (Brandon) Bryant, Simon Ryan, Jacob Munson, Eli Munson, Mykah Munson, Kylar (Brady) Pagnac, McKenna Walter, Natasha Walter, Leslee Moltzan, and Jon Moltzan; great-grandchildren Leia and Jack Feldner, Cora and Severin Ryan, Elowynn Bryant and Nowell Milton; Stepchildren Gary Schultes, Stacey (Jennifer) Schultes, Jen (Tyler) Reich, Tyler Schultes; eight step-grandchildren and 3 step-great-grandchildren; sister Ruth (Rodney) Stevens; nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Arvid and Maxine Munson; stepmother Betty Munson; and uncles and aunts.

John’s legacy lives on through the generations of family who knew him as a steady presence and through the fields he once farmed with care. The smell of newly turned, black, rich earth and freshly cut hay will always bring a memory of John to his loved ones.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him. A Funeral will be held on February 21, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Lakota Lutheran Church 416 3rd St W. Interment to be held at a later date.

Eddy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.