Caledonia Argus

Muenkel named Valiant Woman

Posted: 5/14/02

Virginia Muenkel of Caledonia donned her best outfit for being awarded the Caledonia Church Womenís United (CWU) 2002 ìValiant Womanî award Thursday, May 9.

Muenkel was born in Alabama on March 20, 1924. Her lovely southern accent is testimony to her growing up in Alabama. She came to Caledonia with a degree in nursing to work in the local hospital. There she met Hugo Muenkel. The two married in 1951 and raised four children.

Muenkel worked most of her life as a nurse. After retirement, she went to Belize in Central America where she met Twyla Smith, a young student. With the help of many people, she was able to bring Smith back to the United States. Smith attended a University in La Crosse on a full scholarship. Friends and family members helped Muenkel to send boxes of clothing to Belize.

Muenkel has attended United Methodist of Caledonia for several years.

Muenkel spent time in Russia on a mission trip.

Muenkelís friends want us to know that she was first of all a devoted wife and mother, and became a widow early in life. As a nurse, she also worked in a La Crosse hospital and became acquainted with clergy from different church denominations and synagogues. She has volunteered for youth groups, the Red Cross and the Cancer Society. She was also a Sunday school teacher for many years.

The Caledonia Area CWU is blessed to have this courageous activist in its membership, said Harriet Stapleton, CWU president.

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