Munger, Sr., Willard M.

Spouse: Martha Winter (first wife; she died in 1960, while he was in office); Widower; Frances Hotch (married in 1966; she died in November 1997, while he was in office); Widower
Children: Two children: Patricia "Patsy/Pat" (daughter), and Willard Jr. (son)
Family Members Who Have Served in the Minnesota Legislature:

He was the longest serving member of the Minnesota House of Representatives for many years at 42 years, 7 months plus. His record was surpassed by Rep. Lyndon Carlson and Rep. Phyllis Kahn in 2015.

He was born and raised on a farm near Fergus Falls, Minnesota.

He ran unsuccessfully as the Farmer-Labor party endorsed candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives in the 1934 election.

He ran unsuccessfully for the Minnesota House of Representatives in the 1952 election.

He ran unsuccessfully for the Minnesota Senate in the 1964 special election.

He was a member of the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party.

The Willard Munger bicycle trail in Minnesota was named after him.

He died from liver cancer at the hospice unit in St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota while still in office. His funeral was held at Our Savior's Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Duluth, Minnesota. He was buried in Oneota Cemetery in West Duluth, Minnesota.

Of those legislators with known birth dates, he was one of the oldest legislators to serve in the Minnesota Legislature. Rep. Willard Munger was first at 88 years 6 months when he died in office. Rep. Bernie Lieder was second at 87 years and 10 months at the end of his term. Rep. Ron Erhardt was third at 87 years and 2 months at the end of his term in office.

Religion provided by his obituary.