Milford 'Muggs' Vanvig

A memorial service for Milford “Muggs” Vanvig, 91, Dickinson, formerly of Medora, is noon Monday, Feb. 18, at the Medora Community Center, with Rev. Roger Dieterle officiating. Burial will be held later this spring.

Visitation for Muggs is 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 17, at Stevenson Funeral Home, with a prayer service at 7 p.m.

Milford passed away Wednesday, Feb. 13, at St. Benedict’s Health Center in Dickinson.

Milford “Muggs” Vanvig was born to Lars and Lena (Vieland) Vanvig on Dec. 18, 1921, at the ranch 20 miles south of Medora. He attended Cornell Grade School south of Medora and went on to Model High School in Dickinson.

After high school, Muggs attended CCC Camp for nine months. In 1963, Muggs continued his education and went to Auctioneer School in Mason City, Iowa.

Muggs married Shirley Smith on Jan. 8, 1942. To this union two sons were born, Roger and Bill. They began their lives in Powers Lake, where he raised sheep. The couple only stayed in Powers Lake one year before he realized that was not his calling in life. They moved back to the home place south of Medora.

In 1980, the couple retired and moved to Medora. In 1984, Shirley passed away from cancer and Muggs continued to live in Medora where he would always entertain anyone that would stop for a visit. He was also very well known for his love of dancing, his music and playing guitar.

Muggs was a loving and caring dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle and cherished friend.

He was a charter member of the Medora Lutheran Church, a member of the Medora Grazing Association, 50-year member of the Roosevelt Memorial Lodge 129, the North Dakota York Rite, where he volunteered anytime they needed assistance, and the North Dakota Auctioneer Association.

Muggs is survived by son, Roger (Jean); granddaughters, Rhonda Lewellyn of Bismarck; Rita (fiancé Gary Edlund) Markuson of Valley City; Renae Praus of South Heart; and Julie Burnell of Springfield, Mo.; grandson, Douglas Vanvig of Ozark, Mo.; great-grandchildren, Kendra, Dylan, Megan, Taylor and Shalee; special friend Betty Cornell; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Shirley; son, Bill; parents, Lars and Lena; brother, Louie; and sister Selma.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.stevensonfuneralhome.com.

Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson

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