Joel A. Munks
1938 – 2025
Joel A. Munks, 86, of Ottawa, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at the Arc at Streator, surrounded by his family.
Mr. Munks was a dedicated Christian and believed that Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit will accept him and he wished to be cremated. Graveside services will be private at Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa with Msgr. Mark Merdian officiating. Full military rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 33 Veteran’s Group Honor Guard. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home, Ottawa.
Mr. Munks was born on April 18, 1938 to Charles and Dora (Zenor) Munks. He graduated from Ottawa Township High School in 1956. He joined the United States Air Force and trained to become an active Combat Control Airborne Pathfinder for four years. He parachuted with the 82nd 101st Army Airborne over 100 times.
After discharge, Mr. Munks attended North Central College concentrating in sales and service. He obtained licenses for credit counseling, sales of Seniors Life, Health, and Long term Care Insurance and as a Certified Annuity Consultant. He was the owner/operator of Accounts Service Company. He was also owner/operator of his own insurance company for 25 years. Reaching 78 years old, Mr. Munks retired.
Mr. Munks was a past Exalted Ruler of Streator Elks Lodge 591, past president of Streator Association of Commerce and Industry, and past Service and Finance Officer of AMVETS Association. He was also a current member of American Legion Post 33.
Survivors include his wife, Angela (Paris) Munks; sons, Jeffrey (Jill) Munks and Scott Munks; stepsons, Raymond Paris and David Paris; a stepdaughter, Celeste Paris; six grandchildren, Amanda (Greg) Plymire, Cody Munks, Andrew (Shelly) Munks, Kevin Munks, Leah Munks, and Jennifer Paris; seven wonderful great-grandchildren; a brother, David (Lanette) Munks; and the mother of his children, Marcy (Handzo) Munks.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Dora Munks; a sister, Marylin Teausant Dudgeon; a brother, Charles “Ted” (Gladys) Munks, Jr.; a niece, Sandra (Teausant) Burkart; and a great-nephew, Kenneth Teausant.
Memorials may be directed to the family.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-443