Milford Vanvig

A Memorial Service for Milford “Muggs” Vanvig, 91, of Dickinson, formerly of Medora, will be 12:00 p.m., Monday, February 18, 2013 at the Medora Community Center with Pastor Roger Dieterle officiating. Burial will be held later this spring.


Visitation for Muggs will be from 5:00 p. m. to 8:00 p. m., Sunday, February 17, 2013 at Stevenson Funeral Home with a prayer service being held at 7:00 p. m.


Milford passed away Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at St. Benedict’s Health Center in Dickinson.


Milford “Muggs” Vanvig was born to Lars and Lena (Vieland) Vanvig on December 18, 1920 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 January 8, 1942. To this union two sons were born, Roger and Bill. They began their lives in Powers Lake, ND 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 ND York Rite, where he volunteered anytime they needed assistance, and the ND Auctioneer Association.


Muggs is survived by his son, Roger (Jean); granddaughters, Rhonda Lewellyn of Bismarck; Rita (fiance’ 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.


Click to View Program (PDF)


Burial Date: February 18, 2013
Funeral Home Dickinson, ND

Memorial Service: Monday: Medora Community Center, Medora, ND