John Eric Munch

John Eric Munch
December 24, 1946  ~ April 10, 2025

John Eric Munch, 78, of Sierra Vista, Arizona entered eternal rest on April 10, 2025. He was born on December 24, 1946, in Oud-Beijerland (Holland) Netherlands to Johan Louis Munch and Jeanne Ernestine Van Kuijk. John was one of seven children and the eldest son. He was a 1965 graduate of the Army and Navy Academy in Carlsbad, California and studied Criminal Justice at San Diego State University. John was a US Air Force veteran who served as a jet engine mechanic. After an Honorable discharge from the US Air Force in 1970, he entered Federal Government service again, this time as a US Border Patrol Agent on May 10, 1973. John ultimately concluded his career with the Border Patrol on January 4, 1997, as the Patrol Agent in Charge of the Naco, Arizona station. However, he returned to the work force twice post-retirement. First as an instructor in Spanish and later in Firearms at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) in Brunswick, Georgia and Artesia, New Mexico respectively.

John was a beloved and cherished husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He is survived by his childhood sweetheart and loving wife of 57 years, Sharon Ann Munch (nee Phillips); his daughters Lisa (Darek) Kitlinski and Stephanie Munch; his grandchildren Kyle (Eryn) Kjolsrud, Coleman (Avery) Kjolsrud, Amelia Kitlinski, Grant Kjolsrud, and Madeleine Kitlinski; great-grandchildren Evangeline Kjolsrud, Luna Kjolsrud, Tyr Kjolsrud, Audrey Kjolsrud, and Leif Kjolsrud; and a large extended family.

John had a penchant for American muscle cars and owned several in his lifetime. He enjoyed watching the History Channel and could name any military jet ever made. Most importantly, John deeply loved his family and adored his devoted wife, Sharon, who cared for him for several years as he endured dementia prior to his death.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Johan Louis Munch and Jeanne Ernestine Van Kuijk; father-in-law, Lee Marshall; mother-in-law, Estalene (Dorothy) Marshall, and eldest sister, Jany Ingrid Frank.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Southern Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Sierra Vista, Arizona. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dementia Society of America or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America in John's memory.

John will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew and loved him. He will be remembered for his generosity, love of music, sense of humor, and compassion.

The family would like to thank Valor HospiceCare and Hatfield Funeral Home for their kindness and care during this difficult time.

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