On Wednesday, February 24, 2021, Joan Munk passed away at the age of 57.
She was the loving wife of David Munk and the beloved mother of Benjamin, Shannon, Matthew, and Peter.
She is also survived by her siblings: Clair Christensen, Karen Wilde, Jim Christensen, Darrell Christensen, Boyd Christensen, and Ranae Jackson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Dale and Beth Christensen.
Joan grew up in Firth, Idaho and graduated from Firth High School and began her higher education at Rick’s College earning an AA in Music.
She then graduated from Boise State University with a Master of Music Education where she received the prestigious Presser Scholarship for the outstanding music student.
Her love and success in Band and Choir music was shared with many children and adults who enjoyed her teaching, directing, and camaraderie.
Faith and family always came first for Joan in her service to all. She served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in the Australia, Brisbane Mission. Joan spent her last weeks conveying her love and concern for others to the very end.
She had expressed a strong desire to spend her final days in service to her family and fellow man. Everyone who knew Joan knows of her extensive and joyous efforts in service to others.
Joan Munk served as a leader in her Church’s Young Women’s program for many years organizing camps, youth conferences, and a multitude of activities embedded with love and care.
She had also served as the accompanist and director of children’s singing, was the congregational organist, and choir director.
At the time of her passing, she was serving as the president of her congregation’s Relief Society, a women’s service and spiritual organization.
She was a generous soul in her volunteering to assist so many in our Community as well. Joan has been the director of the Winnemucca Civic Chorus.
In that capacity, she organized and created the annual Choirfest (later Musicfest) that has been held at Christmas time for many years in Winnemucca.
The Civic Chorus has also performed numerous Community events, concerts, and theatre productions under her direction.
Joan was also a founding member of the Desert Brass Quintet as a trumpet player herself, and was instrumental in founding the Winnemucca Backyard Band as well as a dedicated piano teacher to many others.
Joan positively affected many lives of children as a musical educator in Humboldt County School District particularly at French Ford Middle School.
She was admired and adored by children, parents, and fellow colleagues. Joan was truly remarkable by inspiring and instilling growth toward excellence in band and music through the love and dedication of teaching her craft.
She, along with her husband Dave’s work in music, produced countless superb performances and assemblies to share the student’s work.
Her legacy has been great, though humble, through her exceptional and tireless service to her family, friends, Church, and Community. She will be greatly missed by all who have been blessed to have come in contact with her.
Funeral services will be held in Joan’s honor on Friday March 5th at 2:00 PM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints building in Winnemucca, Nevada on 111 W. McArthur Ave.
