Mary V. Muench, age 85, of Hastings, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, at Regina Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.
Born at home on December 31, 1939, in Coon Rapids, Iowa, Mary was the daughter of William and Jennie (Nolan) Troutman. She grew up on the family farm as the third of eight children, where she learned the value of hard work, determination, and resourcefulness. At just five years old, she was already behind the wheel of a tractor. She often reflected proudly on her days playing 6-on-6 high school basketball, especially the year her team made it to the state tournament her senior year.
After graduating from Coon Rapids High School in 1958, Mary pursued nursing school in Des Moines, Iowa. She began working as a nurse before fate intervened and she met a young man named Merle Muench at a dance hall in Carroll, Iowa. The two were married on May 12, 1962, and lived in Ogden, Iowa for four years, where they began to build a life rooted in love, family, and shared hard work. Together, they raised four children: Michelle, Mike, Marcy, and Marc.
Mary and Merle lived in Lincoln, Nebraska, before settling permanently in Hastings, Minnesota, in 1974. For over five decades, Hastings was their home. Mary poured her energy into both her family and her community. She was known for being endlessly hardworking and never one to shy away from a tough job. She worked at Brown’s Apple Orchard—picking apples, sorting eggs, and helping out wherever needed—as well as at The Tree House in Hastings and many other jobs that enabled her to make breakfast for her family, do the dishes, go to work, and still return to get supper on the table.
At home, Mary managed every detail of her household: cooking, cleaning, endless laundry, yard work, finances, and all the behind-the-scenes tasks that kept things running smoothly. Even as she raised four children, she still found time to help others. Her work ethic was unmatched—if something needed doing, Mary got it done.
She loved the sun and found joy in laying outside to soak it in. She joked that her hair started turning gray in high school, and the difficult birth of her youngest, Marc, accelerated the graying process.
Mary will be remembered for her strength, humility, and deep care for others. She worried more about everyone else than herself and welcomed all into her home with open arms. She was Aunt Mary to many—loving but firm, always present, always reliable. Her family gatherings were warm, lively, and full of laughter.
She is survived by her beloved children: Michelle (Kraig) Ellingson, Mike (Lynn) Muench, Dr. Marcy (Dr. Dean) Gerads, and Marc (Maricel) Muench; her grandchildren: Michaela, Josiah, Gloria (Caleb), Matthew, Jeffrey, Amurie, Gage, Connor, Paul, Lauren (Connor), and Matthew; and great-grandchildren: Kamari and Carter. She is also survived by her brother, Dave (Roxanne) Troutman; and in-laws: Robert Eason, Gerald “Butch” Golwitzer, Beth Troutman, Marva Jean (Glenn) Stark, Merlin (Jody) Muench, John (Stephanie) Muench, Dwight (Dianna) Muench, and Linda Trudo; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 62 years, Merle—by only four months and seven days; her siblings: Larry Troutman, Peggy Eason, Gary “Butch” Troutman (and his wives, Irma and Audrey), Carol Golwitzer, Janice Fryman, and Mike Troutman; in-laws: Marlene (Ted) Simon, Madonna Sue (Mac) Magill, and Ron Trudo; her daughter-in-law, Mandy Muench (née Behnken); nieces: Pamela Magill and Trish Skalla; and nephew: Jarret Golwitzer.
A funeral service was held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 202 8th St W, Hastings, MN 55033. Visitation took place from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, April 14, at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel, 3075 Vermillion St, Hastings, MN 55033, and again on Tuesday from 10-11:30 a.m. at the church. A reception will follow the service at the church, and burial will take place alongside her husband, Merle, at Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date.
Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings is handling arrangements.
