Henry Mundt

Henry is survived by his wife, Erika (Michel), his son Michael and daughter-in-law Alisa Matteson, sister Christine Schmidt, and numerous nieces and nephews. Son of the late Henry and Irene (Sauter) Mundt, he is preceded in death by his brother Janus Martin and sister-in-law Joanne (Niewald); brother-in-law Kenneth Schmidt; and his brother Richu.

Henry lived a long and interesting life. He was born in Poznan (Posen), Poland, and lived in the town of Leczyca (Lentschitza) until he and his family fled to Germany in the final months of WWII. With his mother and siblings, Henry emigrated to the U.S. in 1954, initially settling in Pennsylvania, later joined there by their father. Henry became a US citizen in 1960.

Henry served in the US Army from 1957—1958, stationed in Ft. Lewis, Washington. He served as a fuel and electrical systems repairman with the Ordnance Corps. Henry used his leave and time after discharge to travel widely in his 1948 Plymouth. It was during this time that Henry’s love of the vastness and beauty of the great American West was born.

In 1963, Henry met his wife, Erika Michel, in St. Louis. They had one son, Michael, and enjoyed 60 years of marriage.

Work took Henry to St. Louis, Georgia, St. Louis (again), and Florida, where he lived since 1981, loving the warmth, sunshine, and lush subtropical foliage.

Henry worked as a draftsman and engineer at Century Electric, McDonnel Douglas, Lockheed, and Pall Corporation, where he worked until his retirement in 1997. Henry was always an engineer at heart; there was nothing he couldn’t take apart, reassemble, and explain (to all who would listen) why it failed and how it could have been done better.

Like his parents, Henry was also very artistic. His detailed pen and ink drawings of European landscapes hold a special place in our home. He also had an enduring love of classical music (Chopin in particular) and enjoyed playing the organ.

Henry was a consistent observer of nature, looking deeply and marveling at its interconnectedness. He could frequently be seen in his garden—whether in St Louis or Florida—closely inspecting plant life and listening for bird calls.

One of the many things that Henry will be remembered for is his quick wit, clever sense of humor, and the laughter he brought to those around him. And of course, his love of chocolate. Oh, my goodness, his love of chocolate!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be sent to one of the following:

Purple Martin Conservation Organization (https://www.purplemartin.org/donate/)

Hospice Foundation of America (https://hospicefoundation.org/ways-to-give/)

An interment ceremony will be held at:

Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery

2900 Sheridan Road

St. Louis, MO, 63125

October 10 at 11:00am

Guests should assemble with their vehicles at Sylvan Springs Park adjacent to Jefferson Barracks (via Sylvan Springs Rd.)