Arnold "Charlie" M. Munkel (1918-2003) was born in Caledonia, Minn and lived most of his
life just 13 miles away in Spring Grove, Minn. In 1941, Munkel was drafted into the US Army.
He served in the 7th Armored Division as part of the European Campaign in WWII and won a
Bronze Star Medal for his service in the war. On August 25, 1943 Munkel married Marion
Klinge of Caledonia. Munkel worked as a mechanic and welder for the Houston County Highway
Department for 28 years and was an active member of the Sons of Norway Valheim Lodge and the
American Legion. He also served on the planning committee for Spring Grove's annual Syttende
Mai celebration. An avid connoisseur of local music, Munkel was known for attending and
recording live old-time and folk music performances in southeastern Minnesota and
northeastern Iowa, including Spring Grove's Syttende Mai festivals and Decorah's annual
NordicFest.
