Muriel J. Motschenbacher, age 86, Moorhead, MN, died Friday, October 12, 2012, in Eventide Lutheran Home, Moorhead.
Muriel June LaGrow, daughter of Wilfred and Hilda (Sanders) LaGrow, was born in Felton, MN, on July 25, 1926. She grew up and received her education in Felton, where she graduated from high school in 1944. Muriel also attended Interstate Business College in Fargo, ND, for a year.
On October 16, 1947, Muriel married Herbert J. Motschenbacher in Moorhead. They lived in Moorhead until 1955, when they moved to St. Paul, MN, and later to Plymouth, MN. While they lived in the twin cities, Muriel worked for Northland Insurance Company and later, Rasmusson Insurance Company. For 15 years, prior to her retirement in April 1991, Muriel worked for the State of Minnesota Department of Jobs and Training. In 1995, the couple returned to Moorhead.
Herbert died on April 18, 1999. Muriel continued to live in Moorhead. She enjoyed doing handwork and cooking. She will be remembered for her chocolate chip cookies and her stews. Muriel enjoyed traveling and she had a passion for reading.
She is survived by her daughter, Judy (Gene) Lewis, Moorhead, and a sister, Betty (Jim) Empting, Dilworth; a brother-in-law, Stan (Shirley) Motschenbacher; and many loved nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband, Herbert, Muriel was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Doris Ford; and a brother, Russell LaGrow.
The funeral mass for Muriel will be held Wednesday, October 17, 2012, at 12 Noon in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Moorhead. Public visitation will be two hours prior to the funeral, at the church.
The family extends their special thanks to the staff of Hospice of the Red River Valley, for their wonderful care and concern.