Charles Munie

Charles W. Munie, 92 of Decatur, IL died Thursday, April 27th at St. Patrick's Residence, Naperville, IL. Charlie, a long time resident of Decatur, was born August 7, 1919 in Villa Grove IL to Lawrence and Cecilia Grimmer Munie. He first came to Decatur in 1938 and worked at Pfile's Camera shop. In 1939 he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Camp Roberts, CA as part of a training battalion. In 1943 he joined the 70th infantry division and served in combat in Europe in 1944 and 1945. He was awarded the Bronze Star and a Combat Infantry Badge. In 1946 he married Josephine Theodora Wagner (Teddy Jo). He enlisted in the Illinois National Guard and was mobilized for the Korean War from 1951 to 1954. During his time with the National Guard he served in the 33rd, the 44th and the 47th infantry divisions. He saw active riot duty during the 1960s at several locations in Illinois. In 1978 he retired from the military and assumed duties as a curator for the Illinois State Military museum in Springfield, IL where he worked extensively to create a permanent display of artifacts and restore the many battle flags from the Civil War that were, at that time, stored in the State Capital. Upon retiring from state service he became active in Civil War Round Tables in Springfield and Decatur and was presented the George Cashman Founder's Award for his service. He served as an Honor Guard for over 1000 military burials as a member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. A member of St. James Catholic Church in Decatur he was active in the Holy Name Society, the parish Bingo parties, the Temple Tenders, parish food drives and the parish history committee. He and Josephine had two children: son Gregory, married to Barbara McCartney of Naperville, IL, and daughter Charlotte of Decatur. He has two grandsons, Michael Andrew, wife Jean He, of Palo Alto, CA and Jeffrey Charles, fiancé Louisa Shields, of Chicago, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents Lawrence and Cecilia, brothers Paul and John, sisters Margret, Catherine and Louise and his wife, Josephine. Charlie and his strong sense of patriotic duty and service to others will continue to be an inspiration to his family and friends. Visitation with an opening prayer service will be from 4:30 to 8:00 PM on Friday, May 4th at Brintlinger and Earl Funeral Home, 2827 North Oakland, Decatur, IL. Mass of Christian Resurrection will be on Saturday, May 5th starting at 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 742 East Clay Street, Decatur, IL. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery, Decatur, IL, with military rites conducted by Macon County Honor Guard.. In lieu of flowers the family asks that any donations be given to St. James Catholic Church, Decatur, IL. "
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