Don Munson

Don Munson, age 89 of Yankton, SD passed away Friday, April 24, 2026 at his residence in West Lafayette, IN. Visitation will be Thursday, May 21 from 5:00-7:00 pm with a 7:00 pm Masonic Service by the Lewis and Clark Masonic Lodge #1 all at Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton. Don’s funeral service will be Friday, May 22 at 2:00 pm at Trinity Lutheran Church in Yankton with Rev. Jeff Otterman officiating. Burial will follow at the Yankton Cemetery with Military Graveside Rites by the United States Air Force Honor Guard and the local Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post #791 Honor Guard. Online condolences may be sent at www.okfhc.com. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Donald Eugene Munson, born June 13, 1936, at home in Webster, South Dakota, lived a life grounded in family, service, and quiet determination. Don passed peacefully on April 24, 2026, in West Lafayette, Indiana, at his grandson Benjamin’s home, surrounded by loved ones.

He was the son of Orlando Benjamin and Clara (Hegna) Munson and grew up on the family farm near Bradley, South Dakota. He was baptized in Bradley and graduated from Bradley High School in 1954, one of only nine students in his class. A tall, athletic young man, he loved playing basketball and baseball throughout his school years.

Don began his college education at Northern State Teacher’s College in Aberdeen so he could remain close to home after his father’s passing, helping his mother manage the farm while his brother served in the Army. He later transferred to Augustana College in Sioux Falls, where he earned his accounting degree in 1958 — and where he met the love of his life, Julie Morstad. Julie famously asked him out on a reverse date night, beginning a partnership that lasted 55 years. They were married on November 26, 1960, at First Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls, and remained devoted to one another until Julie’s passing in 2016. Don faithfully served in the South Dakota Air National Guard service from April 14, 1961 until his honorable discharge on April 13, 1964.

Don and Julie welcomed two sons, Eric Jon in 1964 and David Eugene in 1966. The young family lived in Sioux Falls and Aberdeen before settling in Yankton around 1965, which became their longtime home.

Don’s early career included selling for Montgomery Ward and working as an insurance adjuster for GAB, specializing in disaster claims. He later built a respected accounting practice in Yankton with business partners Don DesJarlais and Randy Schaap. He was a long-time member of the South Dakota CPA Society, serving as their president 1980-1981.

He was also active in church, community, and service organizations throughout his life. He served on the Trinity Lutheran Church Board of Trustees, served as TLC Treasurer, and sang in the TLC choir for many years. He served on the Hillcrest Country Club Board of Directors, served on the Hillcrest Country Club Pro-Am committee for many years, played in 48 consecutive Hillcrest Pro-Am tournaments, and reviewed and presented annual financial statements to the Hillcrest Board of Directors for many years. He was a lifetime member of El Riad Shrine Temple in Sioux Falls and a pillar treasurer of the Lewis and Clark Shrine Club. He also served eight years in the South Dakota House of Representatives, where he held committee leadership roles and was known for his steady, thoughtful approach.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Dorothy; his brother, Gerhardt (Gary); his wife, Julie; and his son, David. He is survived by his son, Eric; Eric’s wife, Chris; their children Benjamin, Maxwell, and Julia; nieces Kristi (Brad) Wellendorf and Karin Munson; and nieces and nephews Jill, Nina, Paul, Bret, and Kari. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be directed to the David Munson Scholarship at Augustana University in Sioux Falls.