Obituary: Winifred Frieda Hertha Berndt Muenkel

MCFARLAND - Winifred Frieda Hertha Berndt Muenkel was born Oct. 1, 1916, in Chicago to Katherine and Bruno Berndt. Her family moved first to Madison, then McFarland, where she took the train daily to attend Madison Central High School. Later she studied at Madison Business College and qualified as a secretary, stenographer and court reporter before working for the State of Wisconsin. At college she met her future husband Harold. They corresponded while he served overseas during World War II. They married on Oct. 26, 1946. Harold passed away in July 2006 after nearly 60 years of marriage. Winnie and Harold are survived by four children, Nancy (James) Crossfield, Marguerite (Richard) Zumbehl, Fred (Mary Jo) Muenkel and Paul Muenkel; and by seven beloved grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Winnie was a longtime member of the Madison Women's Club, McFarland Lutheran Church, several card clubs and participated in activities at McFarland's Senior Center museum. She was an avid reader and supporter of the local public library and instilled a love of reading, nature and travel in her children. She took her children on many camping trips when they were young, and later enjoyed watching birds and wildlife from her home on the Yahara River before moving to Harmony Living Center. Winnie was a funny and perceptive correspondent who still regularly e-mailed family members across the country and overseas at the age of 91. She died Thursday, Nov. 29, 2007, after a short illness. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2007, at the MCFARLAND LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5529 Marsh Road, followed by a luncheon. Private burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park for family members. Visitation will be held at church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. The family would like to thank the physicians, nurses and staff of St. Mary's Hospital for their compassionate care.
Olson-Holzhuter-Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 5801 Highway 51 McFarland (608) 838-0655