Howard Munneke

Howard Ray Munneke was born at home in Douglas County, on July 22, 1937 to Harry and Jennie (Keuning) Munneke. He attended New Holland Christian for grades 1-10, graduating from Corsica High School in 1955.

On June 12, 1958 he married Evelyn (Feenstra). They lived on the family farm a 1/2 mile north of New Holland for 45 years. After retiring from farming, they moved to Corsica where he enjoyed working several summers for CHS agronomy. Howard and Evelyn volunteered for Wycliffe translators in Tucson, AZ for 12 winters. Howard did various handyman jobs, while Evelyn tied quilts. They made many lifelong friends while serving the missionaries that worked out of that campus.

A life long member of the the New Holland Christian Reformed church, Howard served as both deacon and elder. He also served on the New Holland Christian Grade School board. Howard was a member of the Tri-County Gideons which gave him an opportunity to witness and share his love for Jesus through passing out Bibles. He enjoyed studying God's Word and his love for the Lord grew by attending various Bible studies through out his life.

Howard started collecting coins at a young age. It became one of his favorite pastimes, along with reading non-fiction books and watching the Minnesota Twins play. He loved to travel, first with family, and later on taking bus trips with friends. He dearly loved his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He enjoyed attending their school activities whenever possible. Morning coffee with the guys at the Corsica Travel Plaza was another highlight.

Howard Munneke, 88, of Corsica, SD went to be with Jesus on Friday, August 22, 2025, at Douglas County Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his wife and children.

Grateful for having shared in Howard's life are his wife of over 67 years, Evelyn; his children: Barb (Dwight) Mills of Armour, SD, Vic (Laurie) Munneke of New Holland, SD, Bonnie (Verlyn) VerSteeg of Platte, SD, and Bev (Scot) Vander Pol of Mitchell, SD; 11 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren: Amanda (Jeremy) VandeZande (Aiden, Ansel), Matt (Christine) Mills (Gavin, Gage, Lucy); Dillon (Jamie) Munneke (Mason, Trey, Allie, Asher), Mitch (Sara) Munneke (Bridger, Jennie), Chelsey (Steve) Nugteren (Annika, Ruby, Vivian); Kyle (Jen) VerSteeg (Josiah, Peyton, Hailey), Teri (Tyson) Griesse (Wyatt, Jase), Jordan (Amanda) VerSteeg (Allie, Layla); Wes (Ashley) Vander Pol (Brooks, Reece), Carlie (Sawyer) Strelnieks, and TyVander Pol; one sister Hannah (Darrell) DeHeer, Sioux Falls, SD; in laws: Dee Bordewyk, Vonnie Van Horssen, Gord (Betty) Feenstra, Eunice (Jim) Stegner, and many nieces, nephews, cousins,and friends.

Howard was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Jennie Munneke; an infant brother Sylvan Jay Munneke; parents-in-law Henry and Fannie Feenstra; brother-in-law Lyle Van Peursem; and in-laws: Sylvia Feenstra, Gerald Feenstra, John and Glennys Feenstra, Harley Van Horssen, and Keith Bordewyk.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Howard's honor may be directed to:
New Holland Christian Reformed Church New Building Fund
100 S Church Ave, New Holland, SD 57364
or
Gideons International, Box 173, Corsica, SD 57328

Funeral services for Howard Munneke, age 88, of Corsica, SD, were held on Wednesday August 27, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the New Holland Christian Reformed Church, New Holland, SD, with Pastor Norlyn Van Beek officiating. Visitation was one hour prior to the funeral service.

Marjo Baan Hofman was in charge of registration.

Ushers were Kevin Van Peursem and Chad Feenstra.

Bell Ringer was Mason Munneke.

Pastor Scott Nichols had the opening prayer.

Music was provided by Jo Ellen Dykstra, organist.

Processional "How Great Thou Art"

Special Music by Amanda, Aiden and Ansel VandeZande "What a Day That Will Be" and "This World is Not My Home"

Message was entitled "Going to see Jesus" by Pastor Van Beek

Recessional "Amazing Grace"

Casket Bearers were Matt Mills, Dillon Munneke, Mitch Munneke, Kyle VerSteeg, Jordan Versteeg, Wes Vander Pol, and Ty Vander Pol.

Honorary Casket Bearers were Howard's grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Interment was in the New Holland Cemetery, New Holland, SD.