Obituary for Leonard G. Muenks
Leonard Gerard Muenks, age 77, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Saturday, August 15, 2020 at his home surrounded by family and loved ones.
Leonard was born on March 9, 1943 in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of Leonard Henry and Melva Alvena (Tynes) Muenks.
A lifelong resident of the Jefferson City area, Leonard was a 1962 graduate of Jefferson City High School and later graduated from Linn State Technical College in 1969 where he received an Associate’s Degree in Technology with a major in Electronics.
Leonard served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1966 after proudly serving several tours overseas. From this difficult time, Leonard was extremely patriotic and proud of the American Flag and understood the sacrifices that it stands for.
Leonard was the owner and operator of L.G. Muenks Painting Co. for over 25 years where he painted and remodeled, built new homes and owned rental property in the central Missouri area until his retirement. He was often known to help those in need without asking for payment. He enjoyed staying active, so during retirement Leonard continued working part time in the communication department at the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
He was a member of the American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5; a member of Navy Club of Missouri, Ship 5; a past board member of the University of Missouri Extension Center for Cole County; a member of the Home Builders Association of Central Mo. and a former volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 6.
He cherished time with family and loved them unconditionally; always putting his children and grandchildren first in life. Leonard found peace being in the outdoors and shared that passion with his children on camping, hunting and fishing trips. He loved cooking and grilling at family gatherings and sharing memories about the funny things his kids did while growing up. Recently, one of his favorite activities was sitting and talking with his sweet heart, Barb Taggart. They both felt blessed to have each other’s companionship.
He loved taking trips to Alaska and Colorado to hunt and fish. Past times included taking day trips to sight-see, browse small shops and visit the old homeplace. Leonard could always be found sitting with the guys at Schulte’s talking over a cup of coffee and a doughnut. Gardening was another passion he pursued and he completed the Master Gardeners program. Leonard loved his hobbies including antiquing, winemaking, and canvas painting. He was a gifted craftsman in the wood shop and made a baby bed and tables for his grandchildren.
Survivors include: five children, Michelle Muenks of Jefferson City, Mo., Andrea Balkenbush (husband John) of Jefferson City, Mo., Christopher Muenks of Jefferson City, Mo., Scott Muenks (wife Sara) of Jefferson City, Mo. and Amanda Lutes (husband Joe) of Plano Tx.; one brother, Caroll David Muenks (wife Barbara) of Orlando, Fl.; one sister, Patricia Gomes (husband Norbert) of Redondo Beach, Ca.; his soul mate, Barb Taggart; fourteen grandchildren, Logan Kliethermes, Alexandra Kliethermes, Faith Balkenbush, John D. Balkenbush, Grace Muenks, Alyssa Muenks, Arianna Muenks, Ethan Muenks, Eli Muenks, Elliott Muenks, Toran Lutes, Kinnara Lutes, Ember Lutes, Aeris Lutes,; one nephew, Justin Muenks (wife Jessica); and one niece, Nicole Joseph (husband Mike).
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 3:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2020. The general public is welcome to attend the visitation while following social distancing guidelines.
A prayer service will be conducted at 4:30 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2020 in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Samuel Powell officiating. A webcast of the Leonard’s service will begin at 4:30 p.m. Friday for friends that are not able to attend by going to his memorial page on Freeman Mortuary’s website.
A reception to continue to share memories of Leonard will be held immediately following the services at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1822 Tanner Bridge Road, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.
Leonard was born on March 9, 1943 in Jefferson City, Mo., the son of Leonard Henry and Melva Alvena (Tynes) Muenks.
A lifelong resident of the Jefferson City area, Leonard was a 1962 graduate of Jefferson City High School and later graduated from Linn State Technical College in 1969 where he received an Associate’s Degree in Technology with a major in Electronics.
Leonard served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1966 after proudly serving several tours overseas. From this difficult time, Leonard was extremely patriotic and proud of the American Flag and understood the sacrifices that it stands for.
Leonard was the owner and operator of L.G. Muenks Painting Co. for over 25 years where he painted and remodeled, built new homes and owned rental property in the central Missouri area until his retirement. He was often known to help those in need without asking for payment. He enjoyed staying active, so during retirement Leonard continued working part time in the communication department at the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
He was a member of the American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5; a member of Navy Club of Missouri, Ship 5; a past board member of the University of Missouri Extension Center for Cole County; a member of the Home Builders Association of Central Mo. and a former volunteer with the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 6.
He cherished time with family and loved them unconditionally; always putting his children and grandchildren first in life. Leonard found peace being in the outdoors and shared that passion with his children on camping, hunting and fishing trips. He loved cooking and grilling at family gatherings and sharing memories about the funny things his kids did while growing up. Recently, one of his favorite activities was sitting and talking with his sweet heart, Barb Taggart. They both felt blessed to have each other’s companionship.
He loved taking trips to Alaska and Colorado to hunt and fish. Past times included taking day trips to sight-see, browse small shops and visit the old homeplace. Leonard could always be found sitting with the guys at Schulte’s talking over a cup of coffee and a doughnut. Gardening was another passion he pursued and he completed the Master Gardeners program. Leonard loved his hobbies including antiquing, winemaking, and canvas painting. He was a gifted craftsman in the wood shop and made a baby bed and tables for his grandchildren.
Survivors include: five children, Michelle Muenks of Jefferson City, Mo., Andrea Balkenbush (husband John) of Jefferson City, Mo., Christopher Muenks of Jefferson City, Mo., Scott Muenks (wife Sara) of Jefferson City, Mo. and Amanda Lutes (husband Joe) of Plano Tx.; one brother, Caroll David Muenks (wife Barbara) of Orlando, Fl.; one sister, Patricia Gomes (husband Norbert) of Redondo Beach, Ca.; his soul mate, Barb Taggart; fourteen grandchildren, Logan Kliethermes, Alexandra Kliethermes, Faith Balkenbush, John D. Balkenbush, Grace Muenks, Alyssa Muenks, Arianna Muenks, Ethan Muenks, Eli Muenks, Elliott Muenks, Toran Lutes, Kinnara Lutes, Ember Lutes, Aeris Lutes,; one nephew, Justin Muenks (wife Jessica); and one niece, Nicole Joseph (husband Mike).
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 3:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2020. The general public is welcome to attend the visitation while following social distancing guidelines.
A prayer service will be conducted at 4:30 p.m. Friday, August 21, 2020 in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Samuel Powell officiating. A webcast of the Leonard’s service will begin at 4:30 p.m. Friday for friends that are not able to attend by going to his memorial page on Freeman Mortuary’s website.
A reception to continue to share memories of Leonard will be held immediately following the services at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1822 Tanner Bridge Road, Jefferson City, Mo. 65101.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the American Legion, Roscoe Enloe Post 5.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.