Mike Munch

The Man Who Could Move the Moon: An Obituary for Michael Lee Munch

By: Turner Munch (son)

Michael Lee Munch passed away on Saturday, January 30th, 2021, at the age of 68, twelve days after suffering a stroke. He died peacefully while his beloved wife Joan and his daughter Cody were at his bedside, inside Loma Linda University Medical Center. The rest of his adoring family were with him virtually as he passed.

Many years ago, while driving with his kids in the backseat, Mike would look up through the window into the night, “Kids, it’s time for a magic trick. Are you ready?” he would ask. “YES!” we’d reply. “Alright, see the full moon on the left side of the car? Well, get a good look at it because I’m going to move the moon!”. We weren’t convinced, “You’ll see. Now close your eyes.” We did as we were told until, “Alright, open them!”. We would all wow in amazement at the moon which was now behind the car in the sky instead of on the left! None of us thought to question the movement of the car as Dad made a right turn while our eyes were closed. All we could do was look on with wonder. That is who Michael Munch was to his family, a provider of wonderment and much much more.

Michael was born in Chanute, Kansas to Bob and Venora Munch.  Growing up in Humboldt, he was one of five children, Cheryl, Lisa and Colleen and one brother Steven. As a kid Michael enjoyed gathering pecans with his sisters so they could sell bags outside their parents’ general store. This was also, most likely, the root of his endless love for pecan pie. Some of his favorite teen memories were living with his Aunt Jan and playing various sports in high school including basketball, baseball and football. Mike loved to tell stories about football practices and did so all the way into his years as a Grandparent. He told how Frank Hemphill decided Mike should try playing defensive back. The way he described the play was priceless, including how he was steamrolled trying to stop a screen pass. While he struggled to his knees—looking out the ear hole of his helmet—the play reversed, and he got knocked flat again!  The dry way Mike narrated this story had people falling out of their seats with laughter every time, this story and countless others.

He loved the beach and the ocean throughout the rest of his days. Later in life, he even managed to help save a beached dolphin and help ease it back into the sea.

In 1972, Michael enlisted in the US Army in anticipation of the draft. He had a strong desire to fund college through the G.I. bill. Mike became a Military Police dog handler and was stationed in Korea. While there, his mother’s health began to rapidly decline. He was then transferred to Chatsworth on compassionate leave to be with her as she passed.

He loved to fish. At every point in his life, no matter how different from the last, he found a way to weave fishing into his life fabric. When close to a body of water, big or small, he was wondering what kind of fish you could hook on the line and endlessly contemplating the right bait. He also, according to many, was a little overconfident in his fishing abilities. He would not admit it, but his wife Joan may have shown him a thing or two about real fishing.

The Munch’s and Morrells will always treasure their holidays with Mike, especially Thanksgiving. Traditional dinner, wearing a turkey hat on our heads, expressing what we were most grateful for that year, hearing him tell a funny story and ultimately watching "Christmas Vacation” and enduring Mike’s Christmas Vacation trivia. He loved trivia and equally enjoyed stumping us. Although, sometimes he would ask trivia questions that even he forgot the answer to.

After retirement and a lifetime of supporting his family, Michael rediscovered one of his favorite pastimes, woodcarving. Finally, after leaving the working world he was able to express his creative side and show the world what was underneath. His longstanding appreciation for nature and wildlife ultimately became his muses for carvings. Everyone knew he loved the outdoors and he showed that to infinity with his art. He sold numerous finely-carved and crafted pieces of whales, dolphins, other animals and objects – a true talent. Had he carved earlier in life, he would have created many more stunning works for the world to see.

Michael was born to be a grandfather. Known affectionately to the grandkids as "Papa", he always hoped for enough grandchildren to field a family baseball team and always wanted as many gathered as possible.  As the ultimate grandpa, he devoted time to each grandchild and their interests. He made a true effort to take time for each and every one of them, to take them on adventures to do something of interest to them. Of course, if they did not have an idea of what they wanted to do, fishing was always a fine backup plan. When the kids asked to do something, Papa always said yes.

He was so many things to himself and to others, but the unanimous quality was that Michael Munch was an ultimate caregiver. He cared so much and would truly do anything for everyone around him. He had an endless thirst for helping his loved ones, purely selfless. He had an irreplaceable radiation of love for those he cared about and an unmatched dedication to his family. He will live on through the memories that we all carry, having shared some incredible moments by his side.

He leaves behind his wife of 37 years, Joan Trafecanty, his children Tana (son-in-law Brent, grandchildren Alexa and Mason), Shannon (son-in-law Steve, grandsons Andres and Isaiah), Jamie (son-in-law JC, grandson Cameron), Cody (son-in law Josh, grandsons Dax and Owen) and Turner, his siblings Cheryl, Steven, Lisa and Colleen. He is preceded in death by his parents Bob and Venora. Mike enters his next journey loved, missed and forever remembered.

He’s up there now looking down on us, waiting until we close our eyes so he can move the moon for us once more.

My Papa's Obituary

By: Alexa Perkins, age 10 (granddaughter)

Michael Lee Munch, my wonderful grandfather, was a good man. He had a big heart for all of his children and grandchildren. The love that he gave made all of our dreams come true; We are very blessed to have him in our lives.

First of all, He was a great family member, and a great friend. He was funny, kind, and always made time for his family, which he loved most out of anything. He had his wife, Joan, his children, Tana, Shannon, Cody, Turner, and Jamie. They meant the world to him, so he always had time for them, and his grandchildren.

He never said no to anywhere us grandkids wanted to go that is really fun. We usually asked for the children's museum, because that was the absolute #1 place to go with our oh so loved Papa. If I could give him a reward, It would be the number one grandpa award. 

Second of all, he had a great personality. He gave unconditional love, no matter what things we went through with him. He was also very creative and artistic. He was a very good artist.  He carved wood and stone, also built things, like a wonderful, huge craft cabinet (He made me one). He was also very funny. He made everyone laugh when he came over.

Mike loved nothing more than spending a day out fishing with his family. It is always fun when we get to fish with Papa.  It is now one of my favorite hobbies because he taught me how to fish and he was always happy to spend a day out fishing with us. I am glad that he taught me how to fish. 

Papa always had fun when we were together. It was the best thing ever to run down to him at the airport, him ready for a big squeeze with his big, loving smile. He had always been one of the nicest people I know.

His wife, Joan, always helped him, and she always had his back.  And I will always know, their love will never die. 

Michael Lee Munch was a great man. He loved us with every part of his heart, was funny, and always had fun. We love him, and that will never change. Even though he left this world, I know that he will always love us.

Alexa Perkins, Age 10