Josephine Muckala

Josephine Ernestine Muckala was born in 1923 on her parents? farm near Hewitt, Minnesota. As the first of five children born to Earl and Emma Snakenberg, she was named to honor both her grandmothers. Josie was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church of Hewitt, MN. Her faith in Jesus was a constant in her life and she shared it not only with her children but also with countless others, teaching Sunday School and VBS. She attended rural school and graduated from Hewitt High School in 1941. She loved school and went on to graduate from 3 colleges: St. Cloud State, Moorhead State and Bemidji State. Her teaching career was spent at Herman, Paynesville, Crosby, International Falls, and Staples. In 1951 Jo married Hank Muckala of Astoria, Oregon. They began their married life in Washington and became the parents of two daughters, Linda and Connie, both of whom followed in their mother?s footsteps becoming teachers. Hank and Jo loved to travel and did so often. Their favorite trips were to Alaska and Europe. After Jo?s retirement in 1985 they enjoyed spending time each winter in the American Southwest. In 1991, Hank and Jo sold their farm at Staples and bought a home in Miltona. Hank died suddenly 4 months later while fishing. Jo continued to live in Miltona for quite a few years finding enjoyment in volunteering and church activities. A few years ago she moved to a twin home in Alexandria. For nearly four years she has been a resident of Peaceful Bliss Assisted Living where she has received wonderful care. Josephine died on Friday, October 4, 2013 at Peaceful Bliss at the age of 90. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Earl & Emma Snakenberg; her husband, Hank Muckala; her sister, Bernita Jasmer and her husband Elsworth; her brother, Forrest Snakenberg; brothers in law Kenneth Greenwaldt, Milo Haugrud, and Kermit Gimre, and sisters and brothers in law Robert and Ruth Bush and Gertrude and Allard Johnson. Left to rejoice in her memory are her daughters and their husbands, Linda & Bob Bergan of Lowry and Connie and Neal Zappe of Alexandria; her sisters, Erma Greenwaldt of Staples and Marian Haugrud of Pelican Rapids; and her sister-in-law, Lorraine Gimre of Astoria, Oregon. She also leaves behind five grandchildren who were blessed to have her as their grandmother: Jennifer (Jeremy) Swift of Plymouth, MN, Brian (Tiffany) Bergan of Great Falls, MT; Melissa Zappe (fianc�e Richard Schmidtke) of Bemidji, MN; Heidi (Jason) Anglin of Savage, MN; and Craig (Janel) Zappe of Carlos. Also left behind are her great grandchildren: Jasper Swift, Hunter, Brody, & Finley Zappe, Henry & Claire Anglin, and Bella Josephine, Mason & Ashton Bergan as well as 22 nieces and nephews with their families. A funeral service was held on Monday, October 7, 2013 at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria with Reverend Eric VanScharrel officiating. Music was provided by organist, Sue Nelson. Interment was at Trinity Cemetery in Stow Prairie Township, Todd County, Minnesota. Casket bearers were Brian Bergan, Craig Zappe, Jeremy Swift, Jason Anglin, Michael Wachholz, Sidney Greenwaldt, and Philip Jasmer. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria. www.andersonfuneral.net