Obituaries

Richard "Rich" D. Munster

Photo of Richard "Rich" D. Munster
Dr. Richard D. Munster, age 91, of Bella Vista, Ark., fell asleep with Jesus on November 13, 2019. He was born August 16, 1928 to Elmer Munster and Ida (Krueger) Munster in Hartley, Iowa. He was raised during the Depression and learned the value of hard work and doing a job right during his formative years. He began college at Iowa State Teacher's College in Cedar Falls, Iowa, but just a few months after starting, a friend from Hartley convinced him it would be a good idea to join the Army during WWII. He did so and was stationed in Alaska. He was proud of his service and proud of his country. After returning from active duty, he re-entered college on the GI Bill and earned his Bachelor's degree from Iowa State Teacher's College. Thereafter, he began his teaching career in Paulina, Iowa as a high school physics teacher and a driver's education instructor. That latter position drove his wife and daughters crazy later in life as he frequently reminded them of how to drive properly. Even at age 91, he drove until the last day of his life. It was in Paulina that he met the love of his life, Phyllis Lehnhardt. They were married in August of 1954 and spent 65 wonderful years together. After marriage, they moved to teaching jobs in Manning, Iowa, Primghar, Iowa and then to Glidden, Iowa, where Rich was the Superintendent of the Glidden/Ralston School District. During those years, Rich obtained his Master's Degree in Education Administration from Colorado State College of Education and more importantly, they had three daughters. In 1966, Rich decided to return to school to obtain his Ph.D., so the family moved to Ames, Iowa. In 1968, he received his doctorate in Education Administration from Iowa State University, and the family moved to Bettendorf, Iowa, where Rich was an Area Extension Director for Iowa State University for 23 years. In retirement, Rich and Phyllis moved to Bella Vista, Ark., where they spent many years actively involved in their church, hosting family vacations and reunions, fishing, golfing, playing bridge, gardening, and writing. Richard is preceded in death by his parents and his brother Harold (Betty). Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife, Phyllis, his brother, Dennis (Judy), daughters, Laura (Ruben), Lisa (Rod), Michelle (Mark), grandchildren, Derek (Rachel), Amanda, Justin, numerous nieces, nephews, and friends. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 22, 2019 at Bella Vista Lutheran Church. Arrangements are by Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralmation.com.

Published November 17, 2019

Upcoming Events