Rev. Keith Munneke

Rev. Keith Munneke, 89, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and servant of God, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2026, at his home in Edwardsburg, Michigan, with his loving wife Ruth and family by his side.

Keith was born on November 18, 1936, to the late Albert Munneke and Clara (Haugum) Isaakson. On September 14, 1956, in Corsica, South Dakota, Keith married the love of his life, Ruth (Menning) Munneke, who survives. Their marriage was a devoted partnership that spanned nearly seven decades.

Keith is survived by his loving wife Ruth Munneke; his daughter Dr. Lori Scott of Edwardsburg, Michigan; his sons Dr. Dwayne (Diane) Munneke of Westfield, Indiana, and Darren Munneke of Stuart, Florida; five grandchildren, Nicole, Paige, Christopher, Kathrine, and Jack; his sister Charlotte (Richard) Larsch of Mount Vernon, South Dakota; and his sisters-in-law Alvina Munneke and Pearl Munneke. He was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Dr. Lyle Munneke and Lloyd Munneke.

Keith graduated from Corsica High School in Corsica, South Dakota, in 1954. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1954 to 1957. He went on to attend the University of South Dakota, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics, with minors in Physics, German, Greek, and Philosophy. In 1966 Keith graduated from Luther Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity. He subsequently earned Master's degrees in Counseling Psychology and Clinical Social Work from the University of Wisconsin.

Keith was ordained into the American Lutheran Church in 1966. He began his ministry as an assistant minister at Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He later worked for the United Way in Elkhart, Indiana, before pursuing a calling in individual and family counseling. Keith was certified by the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work and received his State of Indiana license in Clinical Social Work.

Keith worked as a counselor at the Family Counseling Center in Elkhart, and later founded, directed, and counseled at the Samaritan Counseling Center in South Bend, Indiana, serving the community for many years. He often appeared as a guest on WSBT TV's Rod Johnson show to present a segment called Counselor's Corner. Throughout much of his time in the Michiana area, Keith continued to preach at area churches, including Christ the King Lutheran Church, as part of a special ministry. In 2016, he joyfully celebrated his 50th anniversary of ordination into the Holy Ministry of Word and Sacrament in the ELCA.

Keith enjoyed designing his homes-especially his Eagle Lake residence-and cherished time spent sitting on his deck overlooking the lake or on the beach overlooking the ocean. He was an avid reader of the philosopher Søren Kierkegaard and found deep fulfillment in his work as a minister and counselor, as well as in time spent with his family and friends.

Services are planned for Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Christ the King Lutheran Church, South Bend, Indiana, with a time of gathering from 10:00–11:00 a.m., followed by a service at 11:00 a.m. and a light lunch around 12 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King Lutheran Church or Seasons Counseling Center, both at 17195 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN 46635.

Services may be viewed on live-streamed by following this link: ctkluth@keithmunneke.com