November 21, 1939 - May 10, 2023
John Milton Munch (Jack) was born on Nov. 21, 1939, to John Winston and Alma Munch. He was born at home in Fenton and passed away surrounded by his family on May 10, 2023, in Grand Junction, Colo. Jack married Diane Vaudt on Feb. 21, 1970.
When Jack graduated high school he went to Minneapolis, Minn. to go to school to become a train conductor for the railroad. He had a love for trains that lasted his entire life. Shortly after starting conductor school, he decided to move back to Fenton to farm with his dad. Jack, Diane and their children lived on the farm and continued to build a rich history and many memories on their farm located just east of Fenton. Jack and Diane retired from farming in the fall of 1991.
Jack was a member of the Fenton Fire Department and Sentral Area Ambulance for many years. He also served on the Kossuth Regional Hospital Board of Directors for 27 years. Jack knew the importance of improvements needed in the medical field for the community and all of the patrons. He was still involved in some capacity until earlier this year. Jack had a deep love for the community that he lived in. He worked many years in the town of Fenton whether he was helping for Sweet Corn Days, hauling garbage or pushing snow in the winter time. He also served for many years at both St. John’s and Trinity Lutheran churches in Fenton and Algona.
In his early years Jack was an avid softball player and golfer. It has been rumored that he was the first player to hit a home run at the softball diamond that was built on the east side of Fenton. He had a love for motorcycling that took him many places all over the country. Places like the Black Hills in South Dakota to Colorado to Yellowstone National Park. He liked to take his children and grandchildren fishing, although I think he took more pleasure in their enjoyment than his own. In the later years he enjoyed visiting his children and grandchildren.
Jack is survived by his wife of 53 years, Diane Vaudt Munch of Fenton; his daughter Krista Purner and grandson Aiden of Wilmington, Del.; his son Michael and Sheila of Grand Junction, Colo.; granddaughters Brooke Munch Davis of Dallas, TX and Ali Munch of Grand Junction, Colo.; and grandsons Tate Munch and Kolt Munch of Grand Junction, Colo.. Jack was preceded in death by his mother and father.
Funeral services for Jack will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Algona on Friday, May 19 at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be held at the Lutheran Cemetery in Fenton at 1:30 p.m. There will be a viewing on Thursday, May 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Trinity Life Center in Algona.