William "Bill" Edward Munkel of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, passed away on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at the VA Hospice Cottage in Sioux Falls. He was 77 years old.

Bill was born on November 26, 1948, in Worthington, Minnesota, to George and Wilhelmina (Saathoff) Munkel. He attended public school and earned his Associate's degree in Auto Body.

In 1968, Bill enlisted in the United States Army and was honorably discharged in December 1969. On December 27, 1969, he married Geraldine Annette Behr in Fulda, Minnesota. The couple was blessed with two children, Michelle and Christopher.

Bill lived in Worthington, MN, for 41 years, then in LeSueur, MN, for 6 years, before settling in Sioux Falls, SD.

He was a member of the American Lutheran Church and a lifetime member of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Additionally, he served as secretary and treasurer for the Southwest Minnesota Street Rodders.

In his spare time, Bill enjoyed restoring his 1965 Mustang Fastback. He loved playing the guitar, particularly Beatles songs, and had a passion for hunting, fishing, and reading.

Bill cherished his family and is survived by his children, Michelle (Matt) Birkeland of Plymouth, MN, and Chris (Amber) of Aubrey, TX; his grandchildren, Valin, McMillan, Lily (Dawson), Alysen, and Ashlee; and his great-grandchildren, Xander, Henry, Cayden, and Logan. He is also survived by his brother, Robert (Rose) Munkel of Worthington, MN; sister-in-law, Julie Munkel of Rushmore, MN; and brothers-in-law, Lyle (Deb) Behr of Carolina Shores, NC, and Mark (Wanda) Behr of Arlington, TX.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, George and Wilhelmina Munkel; his wife, Geraldine Munkel; his sister, Marlene Tuin; his brother, Edwin Munkel; his brothers-in-law, Donald Tuin and Gene Behr; and his sisters-in-law, Kathy Behr and Rita Behr.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Miller Southside Chapel, 7400 S. Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57108. A visitation with family present will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Monday, June 15, 2026, also at Miller Southside Chapel. A private committal service for Bill and his late wife, Geraldine, will be held at the South Dakota Veterans Cemetery, Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Wounded Warriors Project Wounded Warriors Project DONATE NOW