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Benedikt A. "Ben" Munk

Benedikt Munk Obituary

MUNK Benedikt "Ben" A. Munk, age 79, of Columbus, Friday, March 13, 2009 at Arlington Court Nursing Home. Retired Professor of Electrical Engineering from The Ohio State University and a Fellow of the I.E.E.E. Survived by his wife of 48 years, Aase; children, Kim, Jens (LeAnn), Peter (Teresa) and Andres Munk and Anna (Paul) Strick; ten grandchildren; brother, Knud Munk; and other relatives and friends. Family and friends may call 5-8 p.m. Saturday, March 21, 2009 at RUTHERFORD-CORBIN FUNERAL HOME, 515 High Street, Worthington, Oh. 43085. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, March 22, 2009 at The Ohio State University Faculty Club, 181 South Oval Drive, Columbus, Oh. 43210. A reception will follow the service at the Faculty Club. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to WOSU Public Radio, 2400 Olentangy River Rd., Columbus, Oh. 43210, or a charity of choice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Columbus Dispatch from Mar. 15 to Mar. 19, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Benedikt Munk

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Grace Stroer-Jarvis

June 5, 2025

I'm a student in Scotland, half the world away from Columbus Ohio, and I'm working on a project using FSS. Ben's textbooks have been my most useful resource. They're written in a witty and engaging manor, it really feels like I'm listening to someone talk. I was looking around to see if he was still alive in order to email my thanks to him directly and to let him know that his work has helped me so much. But, since he's no longer here, I thought I'd put this message out into the ether instead. Thank you for all your help, I wouldn't have been able to do this without you.

Anna Munk

February 2, 2025

I miss you. You died when I was young, but being in college and getting into the world of academia, I feel you with me. I am so proud to say you're my grandfather. I love you, farfar.

Kevin Reaver

March 9, 2021

Ben is still remembered & missed.

Harv Henkings

November 17, 2009

Dear Ben, you were dedicated to true science. Everybody deserves to know it. Thank you very much for your courageous and outstanding contribution.

Yurdaer Demiralp

October 31, 2009

Dear Ben,
The words seem inadequate to express my sadness I feel. I will never be forgotton your friendship, teaching and helping to me in the OSU, west campus.
May God's grace strengthen your family and friends.
I am praying for you and

I am praying and listenig the "Air" from JsBach for you.

John Carroll

August 26, 2009

I am in the process of reviewing Ben Munk's fascinating and challenging book on Metamaterials and have only just discoveted that Ben had died in March. This is a very sad loss for everyone and I wish to express my appreciation for his thought provoking work.

Ramzi Aboujaoude

July 27, 2009

Only today did I hear the sad news of Ben's passing. It's been over 10 years since I graduated from OSU but I still have such wonderful memories of the years I spent at the ESL. I remember all the talks I had with Ben, talking about my research, food and wine, travel, health and so much more. It was a privilege knowing him and working with him. He will be missed but always remembered!

Nathan Cohen

April 28, 2009

The last of the great antenna gurus. Already I miss him.

Yakup Bayram

March 26, 2009

It was such a pleasure to know Dr. Munk for over 5 years. I was very lucky to be a student in his last class at OSU and had many weekend and early morning conversations with him. I always admired his passion for his work, and friendly, approachable and down to earth personality and great taste for food and wine. We will certainly miss him.

Ray Feast

March 26, 2009

ESL and Ben were snynonymous .. You could't visit or work here and not know "the teacher/friend" of Ben Munk. He positively influenced everyone he met. I had the pleasure of working with and helping Ben for over twenty years. He will be missed but never forgotten.

C. James (Jim) Moncrief

March 25, 2009

Ben and I had become good friends since becoming the Lab Technician almost 15 years ago. He and Samson would stop by my shop at least once a week for conversation, coffee ...... and a Dog Biscuit. I miss him.

Kevin Reaver

March 25, 2009

It was an honor & a privelege to work with Ben over the last 7 years. No matter how my day was going, I could always count on him for a friendly face, some very stimulating conversation, and a nudge or two from his ever-present sidekick, Sampson. He will be sorely missed at the Lab.

ruth rotman

March 23, 2009

Ben was a unique combination of intelligence, integrity, humor and kindness. I was fortunate to know him as a teacher and friend, and his encouragement enriched my life. He has left a great void in the scientific community, and an irreplaceable loss to those fortunate enough to share his insight and laughter.

Victor Lopez-Castellanos

March 20, 2009

I met Dr. Munk as his student. He was a renowned engineer around the world, and in the same outstanding manner he was a generous and kind man. He was an excellent teacher who always had a word of encouragement. Since he was implacable to those who act dishonestly or unethical, he set an example of integrity.
He remains in my memory as a renaissance man. He appreciated friends, music and fine arts. Moreover, he was interested in foreign cultures, traveling and good food. He deeply loved his wife. And he was a brilliant and delightful conversant. He will leave forever in our hearts. My condolences to his family and friends.
Thank you Dr. Munk.

Victor Lopez-Castellanos(EEOSU)

March 20, 2009

Pete and family,
Sorry for your loss.
Christopher Cavello (OSU EE 1998)

Hans Schantz

March 19, 2009

Ben Munk had a rare mix of theoretical brilliance and practical common sense bound together with just a touch of whimsy. He will be sorely missed by those who had the privilege of working with him.

Robert Paknys

March 18, 2009

Prof. Munk was a rare gem, a truly warm, funny, inspiring, and brilliant man. It was a tremendous privilege to know him, both personally and as a student. Please accept my condolences for your loss.

D.J. Claybrook

March 18, 2009

Mr. Munk was simply adored by my husband Flonory Claybrook who is employed at OSU. Though I never got to meet him in person, I was introduced to him via telephone. I had the true pleasure of cooking a meal and sending it to Mr. Munk for he and his wife to enjoy.

He gave me one of the best compliments ever as those who know him, know that he has eaten all over the world. And yet, was kind enough to tell me that was the best Beef Stroganoff that he's ever had.

I'm honored to have known him and what he stood for. Integrity at it's finest.

D.J. Claybrook
The Motorists Insurance Group.

kris goettler

March 18, 2009

Anna and Jens --
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Kris Shreffler Goettler

Mark Reitz

March 17, 2009

My condolences to the family. It's been years since I've seen or spoke with Andres. I remember many summer days wading in the Olentangy River when your mom told us NOT to and I remember Andres having to mow the yard with a push-style lawn mower.

David Allen

March 17, 2009

I am truly sorry to learn of Ben's death. I had not seen him for some time, but I do remember his quick understanding and wit well.

David Allen
Marysville, Oh

Ed Urbanik

March 17, 2009

Dr. Munk taught me some of my greatest lessons in life and with engineering. He was an inspiration and a great motivator. While I did not have the priviledge to be one of his students in class I consider myself to be one of his students in life. He will be greatly missed. Ed Urbanik, Amherst, NH

Linsey Gazdik, OTR/L

March 16, 2009

It was my privilege and pleasure to work with Dr. Munk while he was at Arlington Court. His wonderful smile will be sadly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Steve Essman

March 16, 2009

Dr. Munk's lessons remain among the most useful in my work. His insights will continue to drive innovation.

Dan Janning

March 16, 2009

It was a great privilege to have worked with Ben. His unique intellect and passion for living inspired generations of students. The books that he wrote will always be among my treasured possessions.

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