James Munger Obituary

James "Gus" Vern Munger

James "Gus" Vern Munger, 92, of Findlay, formerly of Fostoria, passed away on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at home in Findlay.

Gus was born November 23, 1932, in Fostoria, to Fred and Dorothy (Lambright) Munger. He was a 1950 graduate of Fostoria High School. Gus went on to serve his country during the Korean War from 1952-1954. He was a corporal in the U.S. Army and a member of an artillery unit based out of Fort Belvoir in Virginia. After his Honorable Discharge from active duty, Gus served in a U.S. Army reserve unit based out of Fort Hayes in Columbus. He continued to support the military throughout his life, and he took great pride in being a part of an Honor Flight trip to the nation's capital in 2012.

He married Viola "Pinky" (Homme) Munger in Washinton, D.C., October 16, 1954, and she preceded him in death April 29, 2006. They were devoted to each other for over 50 years and were an inseparable pair wherever they went. It was abundantly clear that they were a matched set, and everyone referred to them jointly as – "Pinky and Gus ."In their retirement, they enjoyed wintering in Kissimmee, Florida, until her passing.

Gus was fortunate to have a second chance at love, and he married Barbara Fenbert in 2009. He also gained a second family and was instantly loved by both of "Barbie's" children and their families.

Gus is survived by Barbara. He is also survived by sons, Terry (Amy) Munger of Bowling Green and Tim Munger of Fostoria; daughters, Linda (Matt) Markey of Port Clinton and Charlene (Dan) Podach of Fostoria; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Also surviving are Julie (Jon) Miller of Findlay and Tim (Katy) Fenbert of Atlanta, Barbara's children.

Gus was also preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Carl (Dewey) Munger; infant sister, Mary Charlene Munger; infant brother, Jack Eugene Munger; a stillborn sister; daughter-in-law, Paula Munger; and granddaughter, Caitlyn Ruth Markey.

It is no exaggeration to say that Gus was a proud father of his children, always the favorite of his grandchildren, and the revered patriarch of the entire family. Gus will be dearly missed by his children and grandchildren, extended family, his bonus family, and the many friends he made over the past nine decades.

Gus was the former owner and operator of the Seneca County Roto-Rooter franchise, having purchased the business in 1955 and retired after 39 years in 1994.

Gus was a member of the Elks Lodge and Korean War Veterans Association. He and Barbara attended Trinity Lutheran Church in Findlay.

Gus was an avid bowler for most of his life, and he bowled a 300 game in 1968 -- the first perfect game in Fostoria since 1937. His skill on the bowling alleys earned Gus the honor of being in the first class inducted into the Fostoria Bowling Hall of Fame in 1990.

Gus loved fishing and playing golf, and he continued to fish and golf into his nineties. On most Thursday mornings in the spring, summer, and fall, Gus could be found chasing that little white ball at The Front 9 near Bettsville.

In recognition of his 90th birthday, Gus went charter fishing for walleye on Lake Erie and caught the largest fish on the boat that day. This past fall, Gus was perch fishing on the lake with family and out-fished most of those on board who were much younger. Gus was a loyal fan of the Cleveland Indians, and he rarely missed watching an Indians game throughout the long season. He followed the Cleveland Browns and was a passionate fan of THE Ohio State Buckeyes. Gus also enjoyed attending his grandchildren's sporting events.

On the job, Gus was known as a soft-spoken, conscientious, and very reliable businessman with a strong work ethic. He was superb at diagnosing sewer and drain issues and earned a reputation throughout the area as a skilled problem-solver who was fair with his customers, often taking their personal financial situation into consideration. His talents were much appreciated by all, including his grandchildren, who would proudly proclaim that "my grandpa can fix anything."

Gus was also a long-term survivor of both Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Gus maintained his independence and still had his driver's license. He and Barbara enjoyed going for drives in his red Toyota hybrid, usually stopping at Kroger to stock up on his favorite flavors of ice cream.

Visitation to honor Gus's life will be from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Mann-Hare-Hoening Funeral Home, 407 N. Countyline St., Fostoria. Funeral service and presentation of military honors provided by United Veterans of Fostoria will take place immediately following visitation at 4 p.m. Private burial will be at a later date.

The family asks that instead of formal attire, guests wear Ohio State, Cleveland Browns, or Cleveland "Indians" attire. Chief Wahoo shirts are encouraged.

To honor Gus and his military service, the family requests that instead of sending flowers, memorial contributions be made to Korean War Veterans Association at kwva.us website. Click the "Donate" tab.

Online expressions of sympathy can be made by visiting the www.hoeningfuneralhome.com website.