June Munther Lynch

June Munther Lynch, 94, beloved mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed peacefully at the Village Senior Residence on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015. She was just two weeks shy of celebrating her 95th birthday, and always joked "Don't make me any older than I already am."

On Nov. 13, 1920, June was born in St. Maries, Idaho, to her parents Malvin and Pearl Brandvold and enjoyed being the center of attention until her younger sister Beverly came along six years later. June claims that Bev was a "nuisance" and was always underfoot when June was with her friends and especially boyfriends. However, Bev and June remained life-long sister/best friends. June excelled academically, graduating as class salutatorian and played forward on the girls' basketball team all four years of high school. Upon graduation, June left St. Maries and entered the work force. Her parents scraped together $1, 300 so June could attend Northwestern Business School focusing on shorthand and typing. Hollenbecks Pianos wanted the most promising student and June was offered her first job of $60/month. After one month she was offered a raise to $90/month.

In 1942, June met a handsome young man, Leonard (Len) Munther, who according to June swept her off her feet. Len delivered groceries to June's family and would slip in extra produce like strawberries in order to impress June. Their first date was to attend a dance at an outdoor pavilion. They had to wait until intermission so they could get in half price. She and Len were married informally at the Cataldo Mission near Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, by a justice of the peace. June said she wanted to be sure it was done right so insisted they be married again by a minister. With a twinkle in her eye June claimed "we were both inexperienced, but we figured things out." Their son, Greg, was born on Len's birthday while Len, who had joined the Navy during World War II, was assigned to a minesweeper overseas. When Len returned from his service in the Navy their beautiful daughter Merrily was born. June was so devoted to her children and her love and legacy lives on through them, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

June was a working mom while devoting herself to raising her children. With her sharp and analytical mind she worked several years for the Atomic Energy Commission, for an investment banker, and for the State of Idaho in the Planning and Budgeting Department. June and Len lived in Idaho Falls and Boise where she was active in Eastern Star. After Len passed away June met Harold Lynch, a retired miner from Elk City, Idaho. Harold and June married and spent 20 fun-filled years in Lewiston where they golfed, enjoyed time with friends and family, and shared many cruises and travels together.

June was passionate about her Scandinavian heritage and after retiring took up tole painting, was a voracious reader, played golf well into her 80s, and lately enjoyed Bingo and playing poker with the guys at the Village Senior Residence. June was a perfect hostess and her family and friends all reminisce about parties at her house including her famous bloody Marys, Swedish Christmas cookies, meatballs and pancakes. She was a class act and always enjoyed wearing the "bling", having her hair and nails done, and dressing up. The vibrant colors and sequins she preferred shimmered around her as she entered a room. She inspired us all with her flair for sparkle and shine.

June spent her last few years in Missoula, first living with her son Greg and family and then moving into the Village Senior Residence until the time of her passing. She continued to impress us with her quick wit and remarkable memory. June is survived by her children Greg (Sherry) Munther of Missoula; Merrily Munther (Tom) Ratchford of McCall, Idaho; her sister Beverly Pelto of Lewiston; granddaughter Melanie (Luis) Colon of Denver great-grandchildren, Nic, Tanner and Erika Johnson, and Miles, Elliot and Sadie Stone. She was preceded in death by her husbands; her parents and granddaughter Heidi Munther Johnson.

At June's request, there will be no service at this time and she will be cremated with the assistance of the Cremation & Burial Society of the Rockies in Missoula. There will be a celebration of her life at a later date.

The family extends grateful appreciation to the staff and nursing caregivers at the Village Senior Residence as well as Hospice of Missoula who so lovingly cared for June over the last several months. The family suggests memorials may be made in June's name to Foundation for Hospice of Missoula, 800 Kensington, Suite 204, Missoula, MT 59801.


Read June Lynch's Obituary and Guestbook.