Muriel Marcella (Kirkpatrick) Vihinen, 103, of Newcastle, Washington passed away June 9, 2016 at Providence Marianwood Rehabilitation Center in Issaquah, Washington.

A Graveside Service will be held Friday, June 24, 2016 at 2:30 PM at Highland Cemetery in Great Falls. 

Muriel Vihinen was born April 20, 1913 in Gackle, North Dakota to her parents Walter G. Kirkpatrick and Palma (Johnstad) Kirkpatrick. 

She was raised and educated in several locations in Montana and California including Forest Grove, Montana, and Great Falls.  Muriel Vihinen graduated from Santa Monica High School in California, Eastern Montana Normal School in Billings, and the University of Montana at Missoula.

Muriel taught school at the Ryan School near the N Bar Ranch on Flatwillow, the Maiden School near Lewistown, and the Roy Junction School near Hilger, Montana. Later she returned to California to teach at the Jody Midge School and the Mable Scott Rancho School for Girls at Azusa.  Muriel then went on to teach at Wrangell and Petersburg, Alaska.

Muriel married Wayne A. Vihinen on December 23, 1944 in Wrangell, Alaska on board the Motor Vessel, Triton. 

Muriel had a passion for travel and adventure.  She has traveled to all continents with the exception of the sub-continent India.  Some of these faraway places included Finland, Antarctica, Mexico, Singapore, and Africa.

Muriel is survived by her sons, Gary Vihinen and his wife Darlene Vihinen of Sequim, Washington, Glen Vihinen of SeaTac, Washington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Muriel was preceded in death by her parents, husband Wayne; sister Duska Buschelle; and brother T. N. Kirkpatrick.

Memorials in Muriel’s name are suggested to the VFW, www.vfw.org; and Paralyzed Veterans of America, www.pva.org.

 Service Information