John Munch

John Anthony Munch, 65, passed away May 4, 2018, after losing his battle to cancer.

John was born in Omaha, NE, on Oct. 5, 1952, to Tony and Alice Munch. Because Tony’s job required occasional transfers, the family moved from Omaha to Chamberlain, SD, and then to Pasco, WA, before settling in Libby. During his years at Libby High School John wrestled with the Greenchain, played football with the Loggers, and graduated with the Class of 1971.

After graduating John made his home in Missoula. He met Lynda Clemens on Dec. 7, 1974, and proposed to her a few months later—after first buying a canoe in one last defiant fling at bachelorhood. They married on Aug. 22, 1976, at United Methodist Church in Missoula. They completed their perfect trio by celebrating the birth of their son, Jason, in 1982. They moved to Alberton a few years later.

As a family they frequently enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, and target shooting. John gave his time to the Cub Scouts and to the Alberton Volunteer Fire Department, and he loved working with his hands. Just outside of Alberton, and with help from his father and friends, he built the beautiful log home he resided in until his death. Loving his family—and with his usual stubborn nature—John would not leave this life until he was assured that Lynda and Jason would be okay.

If you knew John, you know he was a workaholic, and that he was fair and trustworthy in his transactions. A small engine mechanic, John occasionally taught classes at Missoula Vo-Tech and throughout the years worked at various motorcycle shops in Missoula. He opened his own shop, John’s Motorcycle and ATV Werks, in 2010. Because of his work ethic and honesty, John developed a loyal clientele—consistently earning five-star ratings—whom he served with his usual integrity until virtually the very end. Though he knew his time was short, he worked to complete the remaining repair jobs as long as he could physically do so.

John is survived by his wife Lynda, of Alberton; son Jason, of Frenchtown; sisters Peggy Craver, of Libby, and Jean Munch (Mitch Britzmann), of Manhattan; brother Steve Munch (Toni), of Zullinger, PA; sisters-in-law Jeanne Munch, of Spokane, and Beverly Beck (Gary), of Missoula, as well as many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jim and George, and brother-in-law John Craver.

Celebration of Life will be held this summer at a date still to be determined.