Pearl Lucille (Brace) Munsen, 98, passed away peacefully on Oct. 11, 2026, at her home, with family. This was the home where she and her husband, Bob, built a life together 62 years ago, creating a place filled with generations of family memories, laughter, and love.
Pearl was born in Englevale, Ransom County, North Dakota, to Andrew and Ida Brace. In 1938, her family moved to The Dalles, Oregon, where she would spend much of her life. She was one of five children, growing up alongside her brothers Clarence “Sonny,” Clare “Pet,” and Melroy “Bud,” and her sister Sharon “Sissy.”
On Feb. 12, 1949, Pearl married her love, Bob Munsen. Together, they raised three children: Randy Munsen, Steve Munsen, and Linda (Munsen) Davis. Family was the heart of Pearl’s world, and her home was always a place where everyone was welcome.
Pearl’s days were brightened by even the shortest visit from family and friends. Pearl never knew what a stranger was; everyone was welcomed with the same warmth and kindness she gave to those she loved. Whether someone stopped by for just a minute or stayed awhile, there was always time for a cup of coffee. Even at 5:30 in the evening, the coffee pot was always on — or a fresh pot would be made. Every card she received was kept and treasured, and every phone call was a gift she cherished.
Her eyes would light up with joy when her grandchildren, and later her great-grandchildren, walked through the door. Visitors were greeted with her familiar, cheerful “Howdy, howdy!” followed by, “See if you can’t find something you’d like to eat.” As they left, they could count on hearing, “Thanks for stopping by,” or “See ya after a bit.”
These simple, everyday moments were treasures to Pearl. Knowing her family felt loved and welcome brought warmth and happiness to her life, just as her love brought warmth to theirs.
Pearl spent part of her working life in the 1950s as a telephone operator, working 40 hours a week connecting people to the ones they wanted to talk to. Later, she became a foundational part of the family business, Munsen Paving, helping keep things running smoothly for many years through the bookkeeping work she loved.
Outside of work, Pearl enjoyed bowling and was an active member of the local competitive bowling community, participating both individually and on a team. Her talent and dedication took her to numerous local and regional tournaments, as well as national-level competition, where she earned top rankings in her age group.
Pearl also found happiness in life’s quieter pleasures. She loved sitting on the back patio, listening to the creek and the birds while tending to her flowers and making sure not a weed was left in her lawn. She enjoyed taking strolls to get her exercise and visiting nearby friends along the way. Many weekends were spent alongside her brother Bud and sister-in-law JoAnn, bargain hunting and haggling at local yard sales — time together that created its own collection of cherished memories.
Another favorite tradition was the annual trip to the Oregon Jamboree in Sweet Home with her brothers and their wives, including Sonny and Bud and their families. What began as three days of music, family time, and early-morning yard sales grew over the years as more family members joined in. The trip became a treasured family tradition, one Pearl looked forward to and held close to her heart.
Pearl is survived by her children, Randy Munsen and Linda Davis and her husband, Tony; her daughter-in-law, Karen, wife of her late son, Steve; her grandchildren, Seth, Randy, Janeen and her husband, John, Jordan, Blake, Nathan and his wife, Tammy, and Adam and his wife, Ashley; and her great-grandchildren, Ashley, Jenna, Joel, Alexis, Landon, Melody, Hazel, and Elijah.
Her family was her greatest joy, and she leaves behind generations of loved ones who will carry her memory forward.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bob Munsen; her son, Steve Munsen; her parents, Andrew and Ida Brace; and her siblings, Clarence “Sonny,” Clare “Pet,” Melroy “Bud,” and Sharon “Sissy.” While their absence has been deeply felt, there is comfort in knowing Pearl has finally been reunited with those she loved and missed.
Pearl’s life was built around family, hard work, and the simple joys of being together. She had a way of making people feel at home, whether through a fresh pot of coffee, a little something to eat, a warm greeting, or the happiness in her eyes when someone came through her door.
Her home will forever hold the memories of the many years spent there, and her family will carry forward the traditions, stories, and love she shared so generously. Pearl will be remembered with deep affection by all who knew her, and her presence will be missed more than words can express.
Though her chair may be empty and the coffee pot may no longer be waiting for her next visitor, the love she poured into her family will live on for generations.
Funeral and Celebration of Life
A service honoring Pearl’s life will be held Saturday Oct. 24, at 11 a.m. at Spencer, Libby & Powell Funeral Home in The Dalles, followed by a graveside service at 12:30 p.m. at Odd Fellows Cemetery in The Dalles.
Family and friends are invited to gather afterward for a celebration of life luncheon at the Brace Cabin, 3820 Cherry Heights Road.
“Howdy, howdy!” Pearl — you will always be loved, always be remembered, and forever be part of the family moments that made life so special to us all.
Columbia Gorge News, Oct. 28, 2026
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