Melvin B. Munk

Melvin B. Munk passed away on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at the Minneola Long Term Care Unit in Minneola, Kansas at the age of 82. He was born on October 31, 1932 in Ellis County, the first of ten children, to the late Ted and Rosemary (Kippis) Munk. The family later moved to Sheridan County, Kansas where Melvin grew up attending country school and graduating from the Eighth Grade. He lived most of his life there until eventually moving to Minneola, Kansas in order to be closer to his daughter, Michelle. Melvin served in the United States Army from 1959 to 1961. He took great pride in serving his country before returning home where he started working several jobs. One particular Summer, Fred Pratt, owner of Pratt Ranch, told Melvin he would hire him just for that Summer. Forty years later Melvin retired from the ranch having worked for Fred and then Joe. He loved farming and life on the ranch and was a dedicated, hardworking man. In addition, having been raised in the Catholic Church, he was a member of the Saint Frances Cabrini Church and Knights of Columbus in Hoxie, Kansas. Melvin liked to keep things simple and uncomplicated. Along with his love for farming he was also an avid gardener. In fact, he even planted a garden in his entire front yard. He was a good neighbor who never knew a stranger and wherever he went, he made friends, always finding the good in anybody and any situation. He loved dogs and always had at least one if not more, but the greatest love of his life was his daughters, Holly, Bonnie, and Michelle. He was forever proud of each and every one of them. Left to cherish his memory are his three daughters, Holly Addis and husband Chad of Kansas City, Missouri, Bonnie Munk of Gunnison, Colorado, and Michellle Clowdis and husband Josh of Minneola, Kansas; his significant other, Edith Stapleton of Minneola; brother, Paul Munk and wife Josie of Menlo, Kansas; sisters, Zita Schamberger of Hoxie, Kansas, Rosie Stover of Colby, Kansas, Betty Racette and husband Danny of Colby, Kansas, Agnes Holzmeister and husband Donald of Colby, Kansas, Ruth Kratzer and husband Bruce of Lake Wood, Washington, and Pauline Hoff and husband Don of Dallas, Texas; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Rosemary Munk; and brothers, Lester Munk and Lawrence Munk.. It is written, “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Melvin sowed the seed of love into the lives of family and friends alike. Although he will be greatly missed, we rejoice as he now reaps a bountiful harvest of love that will never fail with his heavenly father. Reception: St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church