Cletus J Muensterman

Cletus “Bud” Joseph Muensterman, 93, of Evansville, passed away Saturday morning, September 9, 2017 at his home surrounded by his wife, family, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Cletus “Bud” Muensterman was born on November 25, 1923 to the late Joseph and Auralia (Hoefling) Muensterman. Cletus graduated from Reitz Memorial High School and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, now St. Boniface Parish. He sang in the church choir for 40 years and was a member of Sacred Heart Knights of St. John #335 and along with his wife, Rosemary, was inducted in the Brute Society by the Diocese of Evansville in 2001. He was also a Past President of Germania Maennerchor and a choir member since 1982. He wrote “Clets” column in the monthly Rathskeller newsletter for Germania Maennerchor. He was a life member of VFW #1114, a member of Riverbend Association, American Legion #8, and a lifetime charter member of W. W. II Memorial in Washington, D.C. Cletus was on the 1st Indiana Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. His military service included three years in the U. S. Army, 78th Lighting Division, serving one and one half years at Camp Butner, N.C. where he sang in the 78th Division Choir for the World War Bond Drive. In 1944 he was sent to South Hampton, England where he took an L.S.T. to LaHavre, France then by truck to Tongres, Belgium. He served in battles in Hurtgen Forest, Ardeness, Battle of the Bulge at Schmitt, Germany and crossed the Rhine River at the Remagen. After crossing the Sieg River he served in Berlin, Germany for three months before coming home in January, 1946. He was awarded the American Theater ribbon, EAME ribbon with three Bronze Stars for his service to his country. He retired at age 72 as superintendent of the Vanderburgh County Highway Garage. Cletus met his lovely wife, Rosemary Lutterbach Muensterman at Reitz Memorial High School. Their love of dancing the polka and waltz brought them together. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Rosemary (Lutterbach) Muensterman, sons, Paul (Irene Gulick) Muensterman of Evansville, Carl (Terry McAtee) of Oakland City, IN, Stephen (Annette Lenn) of Starke, FL, Gerard (Brenda Wahl) of Evansville; daughters, Therese (Edwin) Bosaw of Martinsville, IN, Rebecca (James) Farrior of Hopewell, VA, Carol Ann (Gary) Burgdorf of Evansville, Mary Muensterman of Camby, IN and Clare (Duane) Higgs of Mt. Vernon, IN. Also surviving are his sister, Doris Tekoppel of Evansville, sister-in-law, Barbara (Moers) Muensterman of Evansville, 24 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Aurelia (Hoefling) Muensterman, a brother, James Muensterman, sons, Clement and Matthew Muensterman, a daughter, Angela Memmer, and a grandson, Timothy Muensterman. Funeral services will begin at 10 A.M. Thursday, September 14, 2017 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Rev. Anthony Govind officiating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery where the Vanderburgh Retired Memorial Club will conduct graveside services. Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 until 8:00 P.M. Wednesday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street and from 9:30 A.M. until service time Thursday at St. Boniface Catholic Church, 418 N. Wabash Avenue. The family would like to thank the Veterans Administration nurses, Home Health services and Hospice for the loving care given to our husband and father. The family requests donations may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Boniface Parish or Riley Children’s Hospital, 705 Riley Hospital Drive, Indianapolis, IN 46202. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Cletus J Muensterman

November 25, 1923 - September 9, 2017