John Albert Munoz, 78, of Fort Madison, IA was rendered his final salute at the VA Hospital in Iowa City, IA on February 29, 2024 following a long illness. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren.
John was a lifelong resident of Ft. Madison, born to Jose and Mecaela Munoz on June 24, 1945. He married Julie Atilano on October 9, 1967 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ft. Madison, where they were members until their deaths. John proudly and honorably served in the US Army during the Vietnam War. He was employed at Midwest Packaging (later known as Burrows Paper Company) in Ft. Madison for 44 years.
John was an avid sports fan, particularly of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs. He coached Little League and Pony League teams in Ft. Madison for several years, spending uncountable hours at Victory Field and Ivanhoe Park. He loved his children fiercely, encouraging and supporting their efforts into adulthood, not content until he had all four of their college diplomas hanging on his “Wall of Fame.” That love and support was extended to his grandchildren in his later years.
John is survived by his daughter Denise (Brendan) Tebbs of Bonaparte, IA; John Jr. of Ft. Madison, IA, Marty (Wendy) of Davenport, IA and Tammy (Tad) Hulst of Iowa City, IA, seven grandchildren - Kendyl, Rebecca, Alex, Justin, Ryan, Kellen and Kayla. – and by his brothers Felix (Stella) Munoz of Newton, IA and Jesse (Patricia) Munoz of Parkville, MO; nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant brother, two nephews, Mario and Michael Munoz and his wife of 54 years, Julie.
John’s family would like to recognize the professionalism of the Iowa City VA Hospital Intensive Care and Palliative Care Units, whose care and compassion were of great comfort to John and his family during his final days. They would also like to recognize Fr. Damian Ilokaba, who prayed with John and his family every day at the hospital and performed John’s Last Rites, as well as Chaplain Randy Langner, the VA Clinical Chaplain.
The Munoz family will host a visitation for John from 9:30-11:00 a.m. on Monday, March 4, 2024 at King-Lynk funeral home in Fort Madison, IA. A memorial service will follow immediately thereafter with Father Dan Dorau officiating. Afterwards, family and friends are invited to attend a brief interment ceremony at Oakland Cemetery in Fort Madison.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in John’s memory to PAW Animal Shelter of Ft. Madison. PAW was instrumental in placing John’s beloved canine companion, Alfie, with him, with whom he shared the last six months of his life. Online condolences may be left at www.kinglynk.com
