- Melvin (Mel) L. Munes, 83, Kaukauna, passed away peacefully on Feb. 25, 2012, at Grand Horizons, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's, surrounded by his loving family. Mel was born June 7, 1928, in Appleton, son of the late Joseph and Olive (Mischler) Munes.
On Feb. 7, 1953, he married Joyce LaPlante. For the next 59 years they raised six children together and enjoyed time spent at their cottage on Marl Lake, many fishing trips, traveling and watching the Packers. They also enjoyed trips to the casino. Mel was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He had a great sense of humor and with his quick wit always had a story or joke to tell. He loved and was loved by family and friends and treasured the times spent with them. Throughout his life, Mel enjoyed meeting new people, and touched many hearts, no one being a stranger to him.
He graduated from Kaukauna High School and went to work with his father and brother at Munes Service Station. In 1958, he began his career at U.S. Oil. After 34 years, he retired as Manager of the Automotive Warehouse.
Mel was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving his country during the Korean Conflict stationed in Europe. He was a member of VFW Post 3319 and also a member of St. Katharine Drexel Parish at St. Aloysius Church.
He is survived by his wife, Joyce; children, Patty Verhagen (special friend, Carl Piechocki), Shiocton; Tom (Linda) Munes, Little Chute; Karen (Bill) Brunell, Rhinelander; Ellen (Art) Ebben, Kaukauna; Donna (Craig) Ehrfurth, Shiocton; and Diane (Shane) Lambrecht, Appleton; 12 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren; sisters, Shirley (Louis) Zierler and Janet Jury; brothers, Bob (Marilyn) Munes, Reg (Charlene) Munes, Jim (Deb) Munes, Mike (Kim) Munes; sister-in-law, Jane LaPlante; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Mel was preceded in death by two grandsons, Andy and A.J. Ebben; stepmother, Cedonia; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Lester and Selma LaPlante; brother and sister-in-law, Gene and Florence Munes; brothers-in-law, Robert LaPlante and Tim Jury; and a nephew, Robbie Munes.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, at ST. KATHARINE DREXEL PARISH at ST. ALOYSIUS CHURCH, 2401 Main Ave., Kaukauna, with Fr. Jerry Pastors officiating. The family will receive relatives and friends at the church on Wednesday from 11 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Boettcher Family Funeral Home, Kaukauna, is assisting the family, 766-2099, www.boettcherfamilyfuneral.com.
Mel's family would like to thank the entire staff of Grand Horizons, Kimberly, for the personal and loving care they gave Dad. Also, thank you to Southern Care Hospice and special caregiver, Mary Palmbach.
Through the years as I rode this train called "life" I looked out the windows viewing valleys and mountains tall, passing through storm and sunshine, peace and strife, I am a better person for having met each and every one of you, than not to have met any of you at all. Mel
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent on February 27, 2012
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1928 - 2012 (83 years)
Education - High School
