Renae Lois Munson

Age 68

Renae Lois Munson, 68, of Andover, MN, went home to be with Jesus on Wednesday, October 25 with many beloved family members at her side. Renae loved Jesus and displayed this in the way she cared for and served others.

Renae’s mother-in-law, Mary, passed away before her in 2008. Renae will be deeply missed by her husband of 46 years, Dan; children, Don (Patty), Mara, Kelley, Mike (Deanna), Aimee; parents, Blaine and Lois Edmundson; brothers, Miles (Helen) and Ross (Jeanne); four grandchildren, Bryce (Halie), Luke, Cassie, and Parker Stephen (coming in December!); five great-grandchildren, Jorden, Isaac, Wyatt, Weslynn, and Alayna Renae; father-in-law, Harold; brother-in-law, Ted; sister-in-law, Sue (Dwight); six nieces and nephews, five great nieces and nephews; her three dogs, and several other dear family and friends.

Renae was born on August 31, 1955 to Blaine and Lois Edmundson in Wadena, MN. Renae truly adored and looked up to her older brothers, Miles and Ross. Growing up and in her time at Coon Rapids High School, Renae enjoyed being active in church, band (played oboe), gymnastics, cheerleading, track, softball, and many other activities. She enjoyed playing flag football with family and friends on Sundays after the Vikings games, and she was the mascot for the Coon Rapids Cardinals.

In 1977, Renae met Dan, a farmer and aspiring minister from Fairfield, Iowa. On their first date, Dan threw Renae in the garbage after she beat him in bowling! Dan and Renae were married September 17, 1977 at Peace Lutheran Church in Coon Rapids, MN. The couple moved to Iowa and eventually back to Minnesota where Dan would pastor several churches. Along with ministry in the church, Renae and Dan both served as volunteer emergency medical technicians for their community. Renae also enjoyed driving tractors for their farming friends during the harvest.

Renae was a dedicated wife and mother as she juggled a busy household. She enjoyed building relationships in her daily life over coffee and donuts and through her passion for fitness. Renae took a genuine interest in the lives of others and was faithful to pray for people and meet needs in creative ways.

Renae worked in several different administrative roles throughout her life. She retired from Bethel University in 2012 in which she served faithfully in the College of Adult and Professional Studies/Graduate School and the Registrar’s Office. While at Bethel, she graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Studies and took some graduate level courses in the Organizational Leadership program.

After retiring, Renae enjoyed being an important part of starting Anchored LLC, a small non-profit organization that serves to meet needs in refugee and underserved populations in St. Paul, MN. She served as an active member of the team and treasurer of Anchored. She spent many hours in the kitchen preparing and serving meals, teaching youth how to cook, and helped lead some youth exercise classes. Renae treasured spending time with her family through art classes, cooking classes, exercising, going out to eat, or whatever her loved ones wanted to do! Renae had a deep passion for animals–their three precious golden retrievers are known as “the golden girls.” Renae cared deeply for God’s creatures in need and fostered 38 animals–including 19 dogs and 19 cats in the past 3 years. Renae’s home was known for being a place that anyone was welcome at any hour of the day or night. Renae leaves a legacy of sharing Jesus’ love with others in the way she served in an intentional, selfless manner.

Visitation will begin at 9am until time of service at 11am on Saturday, November 4, 2023 at Constance Free Church, 16150 Crosstown Blvd NW, Andover. Interment at Morningside Memorial Gardens, Coon Rapids.

We are so appreciative of the outpouring of support, prayers, and love that we have received during this time--we are so blessed. In light of Renae's passions, we request that if you feel led, memorials may be made in Renae’s name to LightShine Canine or New Life Family Services (note "Renae Munson" on note/message line). Thank you so much and many blessings upon you.