Anton “Bits” Munari, 96, of Laramie, passed away Thursday, July 30 after an extended battle with cancer.
Anton was born February 11, 1930 in Diamondville, WY to Carlo and Teresa Munari. As a young boy raised during the Great Depression, food was scarce and Anton found ways to help support his five sisters and parents. After graduating from Kemmerer High School in 1948, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy to further his education and support his family back home. He served in the Korean War aboard the repair ship USS Hector as a radio operator until 1953. Upon discharge from the Navy, Anton enrolled at the University of Wyoming on the GI bill to pursue a college degree in Engineering. During his senior year, he met his future wife Winona while Christmas caroling with the St. Paul’s Newman Club. Anton received his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering in May 1956.
On August 25, 1956 Anton and Winona were married at St. Patrick’s Church in Kemmerer, WY. This August they would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
During the last semester of his Masters program at UW in 1958, Anton’s professor became seriously ill. Due to the extreme circumstances, Anton was asked to take over the classes of his professor for the remainder of the semester. He accepted the challenge, realized he had a knack for teaching, all while completing his Masters Degree program that spring. In 1958, Anton became an Associate Professor, was a faculty advisor, and taught courses in Engineering Science, Descriptive Geometry and Statics in the Department of Civil Engineering until retiring in 1989.
In 1974, Anton was awarded the engineering honorary Tau Beta Pi, naming him the recipient of the “Outstanding Faculty Award”, due to his students’ consistently high praise and appreciation of his classroom efforts. One student noted in an evaluation “There were often lines of students waiting outside of Mr. Munari’s office door for help. I don’t know how he has time for lunch”. In 1982, he was selected for the Ellbogen Meritorious Classroom Teaching Award at the University of Wyoming.
Anton and Winona always made time for their young family. They attended many school, sports and concert activities. Loading the entire family in their VW bus, they took regular camping and fishing trips, and traveled to visit relatives.
Anton was awarded “Father of the Year” by the St. Laurence School PTA in 1966. He was a board member and manager of the Laramie Plains Antenna TV Association from 1975-1997. He was also the UW off-campus housing inspector from 1959-1972. During summers he worked extra jobs doing surveying and water research, while also maintaining four rental properties. He was a volunteer at the Wyoming Territorial Park in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s, involved with the construction of a new barn. He was also a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers and the Laramie Elks club.
Their family home was a place of refuge to anyone who needed a meal or a place to stay. The Munaris welcomed clergy, students, friends, family and the less fortunate. They were also a host family on occasion for exchange students, college groups and church organizations.
Anton is survived by his wife Winona of Laramie; children Tony (Tami) Munari of Laramie, Mark (Laura) Munari of Cheyenne, Larry (Alice) Munari of Cody, Gena Munari of Laramie, and Mike (Tonya) Munari of Casper; his 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Lillian Juvan of Kemmerer, WY.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his four sisters Caroline, Jenny, Josephine, Lavina, and son John of Phoenix, AZ who passed away in mid-July of this year.
Vigil with rosary service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church, 319 E. Grand Avenue. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12 at St. Laurence O’Toole Catholic Church with the Reverend Fr. Jaimon Dominic as celebrant. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery with full military honors presented by the U.S. Navy and the Veterans Honor Guard. Luncheon is scheduled afterwards at St. Paul’s Newman Center, 1800 E. Grand Avenue.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either Hospice of Laramie, 1754 Centennial Drive, Laramie, WY 82072 or the Eppson Center for Seniors, 1560 N. 3rd St., Laramie, WY 82072.
Anton was a very special person that I was privileged to meet and spend time with especially at the meals we shared at the Eppson Center. My sympathy to his wife and family.
My sincere condolences to the Munari family. I first met him when Tony and I played on the same little league team almost 60 years ago. I can still see Anton and Winona sitting in the stands cheering for the team. In later years, whenever I saw him, he always greeted me with a friendly smile and kind word. Truly a kind soul.
Our condolences -,Anthony and I grew up together and I knew Mark and Gena. To a good long life for sure!
Mark and Larry, I'm so sorry to learn of your father's passing. Although I never became acquainted with him, knowing he raised you to be the men that you are tells me that your father was a great man, too.
My heartfelt condolences to the Munari family. I grew up just down the street from them, and have lots of great childhood memories hanging out at their house. May Anton Rest in Peace, and may his many friends and family be comforted in this sad time.
We were fortunate to call the Munari family neighbors and friends for over 20 years when I was growing up in Laramie. I was fortunate to bump into Anton and Wynona in 2022 during my high school reunion and we talked about his cool Mercury car that had a transmission that was somewhere between a manual and an automatic. My heart goes out to the Munaris - Wynona, Toni, Mark, Larry, Geena and Michael
So sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences, my heart, and my prayers go out to the Munari family during this difficult season in their lives. I have known Anton since I was in junior high school with Tony, Mark, and Larry. He was always a man of integrity, a good father, and always so willing to help others when he saw a need. I remember once when I was low on funds, he did not hesitate to help when I wanted to buy my first car, a 1966 Mustang, Thank you Anton!! May you rest in the loving and peaceful arms of your Savior.
Mrs. Munari, Mike & family-so sorry to hear of Anton’s passing. I know what a huge hole this leaves in your hearts. Your parents had the same love that mine did. Absolutely amazing! Sending love…
What a special man. I will forever think of you when I enjoy polka.
Dear Gena, Jim and I were saddened to hear about your Dad's passing. Dad is now eternally living in the Kingdom of God. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your Mom and family. Sincerly, Mary and Jim Truesdale
I was a student in Professor Munari's engineering graphics class in the fall of '78. He was exacting and expected attention to detail. Very valuable lessons, even if I proved to be a slow learner. I also was friends with Mark, Tony and Larry through my Laramie years growing up. My prayers for Professor Munari's eternal rest.
I am so sorry to hear if Anton's passing. My heart goes out to his lovely family.
My family lived across the street from Anton and Winona. I babysat for their children and always felt part of their family. My heartfelt condolences to you, Winona and the whole family at this time of grief. With love, Donna
My condolences to Winona and the family. Such a kind and gentle man. Mom and Dad are with him now, so he’s in great company. Blessings to you all.
Thoughts and prayers are with you Winona at this difficult time. You and Anton shared a beautiful and faith filled life together. I love the stories you have shared of your activities at St Laurence.
My sincere sympathy for Winona and all of their children and family.
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Anton. I always enjoyed his company and his stories. You are in my thoughts and prayers.