Journal News, April 14, 2004


Resident known for work with dogs, community involvement

Edith Munneke enjoyed working with dogs and was recognized for her work this year with an induction into the Dog Writers of America Hall of Fame, according to her son James Munneke.

“She was elated to be recognized with such an award even at her age,” said her son.

Munneke died Saturday at the age of 98.

She was born in St. Louis, Mo. Munneke and her husband, longtime Hamilton residents, were both avid dog showers, earning a national championship. They traveled around the country showing and judging dogs. She was also the obedience columnist for Dog World magazine for 21 years.

“When I went off to college my mother and father were looking for something else to do, they started showing and training dogs and it just grew from there,” said her son.

Munneke was employed with Hamilton city schools for 35 years, teaching English and history.

She also worked with the AARP as a tax aide to help seniors and traveled around the country giving presentations for the organization. For this work she was the first recipient of the Community Service Award.

After her husband’s death, Munneke started the first Widowed Persons Service in Hamilton for people who had lost their mate and continued traveling around the country giving presentations for the organization.

In her later years she wrote an autobiography of her life. Munneke also was involved with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“In her senior years she worked hard to develop educational games for them,” said her son.

Munneke is survived by her son, James Munneke and wife Marilyn; three grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Munneke.

No visitation or services are scheduled. If desired, memorial donations may be sent to the American Cancer Society.