With unwavering faith and a heart devoted to Christ, Misti Dawn Munson of North Branch, Minnesota, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on June 20, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., after a courageous and steadfast battle with breast cancer. Surrounded by the love of her family and dear friends in the comfort of her home, Misti passed peacefully with her beloved “Momma”, Nancy, and her sweetie, Justin, by her side, holding her in comfort and love. She finished her earthly journey with the same grace, strength, and unwavering faith that defined her life.
A devoted Christian and faithful believer, Misti trusted deeply in God’s promises and found peace in the assurance that her true home awaited her in Heaven. Though her absence leaves an immeasurable void in the hearts of those who loved her, her family rejoices in the promise of eternal life, knowing that she has been made whole and now rests eternally in the loving arms of Jesus Christ.
Misti was born on January 8, 1975, in North Platte, Nebraska. At just 15 months old, she moved with her family to Ogallala, Nebraska, where she was raised and attended school from pre-school through high school, and graduated from Ogallala High School in 1993. She continued her education at Peru State College in Peru, Nebraska, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in business.
Volleyball was one of Misti’s greatest passions and became a defining part of her life from an early age. She played competitively throughout middle school and high school and continued her athletic career at Peru State College. Her dedication, talent, and love for the game helped lead her team to an achievement that would later earn them induction into the Peru State College Hall of Fame. Even after college, Misti’s passion for volleyball never faded. She continued to compete at a high level for many years, cherishing both the game and the lifelong friendships it brought her, until cancer gradually took away the strength to continue playing.
Following her graduation from Peru State College, Misti began her professional career with Target Corporation in Asset Protection at a store in Lincoln, Nebraska. She later transferred to Omaha, where she continued her work in Asset Protection. Misti truly loved her team and often shared stories about how much she enjoyed catching the “bad guys” and the many lessons she learned during those years. Her dedication, leadership, and natural ability to connect with people quickly became evident.
While working at the Omaha store, Misti became fascinated by the coordination and logistics involved during a major store remodel. Her interest in the construction process soon led her to pursue a new opportunity as an Owner Site Representative for Target. Her first assignment took her to Charleston, South Carolina, where she helped oversee the construction of a new Target store. She found great fulfillment in this role, combining her organizational talents with her love of travel and the opportunity to meet and work alongside people from across the country.
Misti continued in Target’s construction division for many years before accepting a position at Target Headquarters in Minnesota. She relocated from Omaha to Arden Hills, Minnesota, where she continued to excel within the construction department and build lasting relationships with her colleagues. After a successful career spanning many years, Misti concluded her time with Target in 2024 as a Senior Field Manager and took the summer to rest and enjoy life.
In the fall of 2024, Misti joined Wolf River Electric, where she worked in the sales department until stepping away in late 2025 to focus on her battle with cancer. Even during her illness, her desire to help others remained strong. She assisted close friends with office operations at their construction company, Image Contracting, continuing to contribute her talents and support until her health no longer allowed her to do so.
Beyond her faith, family, and career, Misti embraced life with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a genuine love for people. Volleyball remained one of her greatest passions throughout her entire life. The sport provided her not only with competition and accomplishment, but also with countless lifelong friendships and meaningful connections. Whether on the court as a player, teammate, or friend, Misti had a remarkable ability to encourage and uplift those around her. Volleyball became a bridge that connected her to people across many stages of life, and the friendships formed through the game became some of her most treasured relationships.
Misti possessed a deep love of learning and was always eager to explore new interests and creative pursuits. She enjoyed making jewelry, trying new crafts, and continually challenging herself to learn new skills. Her desire to inspire and encourage others led her to become certified in the Groove dance program, a mind, body, and soul style of dance that she taught with joy and enthusiasm. She also developed several inspirational and wellness-focused business ideas, including Energy, Strength, and Power, an organization designed to encourage and support those facing cancer and other life challenges—an endeavor that reflected her compassionate heart long before she would face her own cancer journey.
Misti also had a special love for her cats. Sylvester, her first beloved companion, traveled with her throughout many moves and adventures across the country and remained a constant source of comfort and companionship. Later, Oxley became the newest addition to her family, bringing her great joy and affection. Her pets were not simply animals, but cherished members of her family.
She took great pride in creating a warm and beautiful home. Misti especially enjoyed spending time outdoors, working in her yard and tending to her gardens. Whether planting flowers, caring for her landscaping, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, she found peace and happiness in making her home a place of comfort, beauty, and love.
Misti was preceded in death by her grandparents, Marvin and Noma Munson, Douglas Trumbull, and Henrietta Trumbull Pfeiffer; her beloved Aunt Pat Barnum; Uncle Jim Boyer; and Justin’s father, Edward Venhuizen, who held a special place in her heart. Though they departed before her, Misti is now reunited with them in the presence of her Lord, where there is no more pain, suffering, or sorrow, but everlasting peace and joy.
Misti is lovingly survived by her parents, Darrell Munson of Ogallala, Nebraska, and Nancy Munson of North Platte, Nebraska. She is also survived by her Aunt Kay Ferguson of North Platte, Nebraska; Uncle Junior Barnum and his wife, Donna, of Gandy, Nebraska; Uncle Darwin Munson of Sutherland, Nebraska; and Uncle Randy Munson and his wife, Mary, of Stapleton, Nebraska.
She is especially survived by her life partner and best friend, Justin “Buzz” Venhuizen of North Branch, Minnesota, whom she lovingly introduced to others simply as “my sweetie.” Their relationship was built on faith, unwavering devotion, laughter, and a deep love that carried them through life’s greatest joys and most difficult challenges.
Misti also leaves behind the family she lovingly embraced as her own, including Justin’s mother, Debra Venhuizen of Mora, Minnesota; brother, Chris Venhuizen and his wife, Carey, of Mora, Minnesota; and sister, Joann Venhuizen and her husband, Trace, of Elk River, Minnesota.
She is further survived by her beloved stepchildren, Austin Venhuizen and his wife, Ashley, of Dresser, Wisconsin, and Tyler Venhuizen of St. Paul, Minnesota, along with her cherished grandchildren, Braxtyn and Berkley Venhuizen of Dresser, Wisconsin, who brought her great joy and pride.
In addition to her family, Misti leaves behind countless dear friends, teammates, coworkers, neighbors, and loved ones whose lives were touched by her kindness, faith, encouragement, and unwavering love. The relationships she built throughout her life became an extension of her family, and her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Funeral services were held. on Friday, June 26, 2026 at Access Church in North Branch.
Arrangements by Meth-Cremation Services, Dre-sser Methven Chapel, Mora, Minnesota www. methvenfuneralhome. com
