Patsy Ann Munson

Patsy Ann Munson, age 91, formerly of Albert Lea, MN, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on January 21, 2026.

A celebration of Patsy’s life will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home, 833 Marschall Road, Shakopee. Pastor Dave Johnson will preside. A gathering of family and friends will take place one hour prior, from 10:00 – 11:00 AM. Pat will be laid to rest at a later date at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens in Albert Lea.

Patsy was born on September 21, 1934, in Macomb, Illinois, to Earl and Blanche Gates. A proud “Yooper,” she was raised in Wakefield, Michigan, alongside her younger sisters, Sandra and Jean. After graduating from Wakefield High School, Pat followed her passion for learning to Wheaton College, preparing for a lifelong career in education.

While attending a young adults’ group at Grace Lutheran Church, Pat met Wayne Munson. The two were united in marriage on August 9, 1958, in Wakefield. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, service, and family, raising their three children—Doug, Greg, and Joan—in Albert Lea. For 50 years, the two houses they occupied on Lloyd Place were the heart of their family life.

Pat began her career as an elementary teacher in Albert Lea. Once her children were grown, her commitment to her students led her back to the classroom, where she earned a master’s degree in Special Education from Mankato State University. She spent the remainder of her career serving District 241, leaving an indelible mark on her students and colleagues through her compassion and advocacy.

Rarely one to sit still, Pat was the quintessential servant. She was deeply devoted to her family, whether she was caring for her grandchildren, embarking on annual cross-country "sisters’ trips," or traveling to China and Thailand to visit family with Wayne.

She found joy in the simple and the spirited: she was an avid reader of Christian fiction, a loyal Minnesota Twins fan, and a regular on the bowling league with Wayne. Her family will fondly remember her as a faithful Herberger’s shopper who never met a coupon she couldn't use.

Pat’s faith was her compass. She was an active member of Crossroads Evangelical Free Church and before that at Calvary Baptist Church, and a dedicated volunteer at The Rock (Youth for Christ). After moving to McKenna Crossing in Prior Lake to be near family, Pat’s social spirit flourished. For ten years, she served on the welcome team and delivered mail, ensuring every resident felt seen and connected.

Pat was energetic, generous, and deeply relational. She loved people, and that love was returned in kind.

She will be forever missed by her children, Doug (Jenny) Munson, Greg (Vidie) Munson, and Joan (Kent) Myers; her grandchildren, Rachel Munson, Brad (Heidi) Munson, Tim Munson, Emily (Dalton) Crum, Bethany (Caleb) Schuder, Riley (McKenzie) Munson, Ryan (Taylor) Myers, Elizabeth (Evan) Brinkman, Christian Myers, Hannah (Zach) Livingston, and Sarah Myers; six great-grandchildren; her sister, Jean (Don) Schaffer; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and friends.

Pat now rejoins her beloved husband, Wayne; her sister, Sandra (R.A.) Rasner; and her parents in eternal life.