As next door neighbors for 23 years, of course we have too many memories of Ed to count. Most of them are simple daily memories, such as seeing him planting and watering his flowers (especially flat after flat of impatiens), taking care of all the family cars, and chatting with him about topics such as his kids and grandkids, the trips he and Natalie were planning or had just returned from, the state of education and, yes, even politics. Even our pets, Charcoal (cat) and Doby (dog), have fond memories of Ed talking to and petting them--and letting Doby out of his pen to have the run of our backyards. We remember Ed not liking the idea that we were getting a doberman mix puppy to the point that he threatened to build a 10-foot fence for protection! Then, upon getting to know Doby, he appeared to grow quite fond of him. Ed holds a special place in our hearts because, particularly while he and Natalie were patiently waiting for grandchildren of their own, he served as a substitute grandfather for our kids, Julie and Dan, whose own grandfathers did not live long enough to meet them. Among our favorite memories are when he would take all of us to the Winner's farm and introduce Julie and Dan to the cows, cats and sheep. (I'll add a photo of Ed helping 2-year old Dan feed the cows.) Ed was so much like a member of our family, we will continue to expect to see him coming out of the house, or pulling into the driveway at any moment. We will miss you greatly, Ed, but you have given us wonderful memories to keep your spirit alive!

If I think about the happiest people, my uncle Ed was one of them. He enjoyed life and always wore a big grin. I could always count on a big loving hug and some laughs when I was with my Uncle Ed. The Munding brothers and sisters have many similarities, strong followers in god's faith, loving parents, and one of my favorite characteristics, they are silly and fun! My uncle Ed was all of these things but he was the most calm and relaxed of the bunch. With 5 children, I am sure patience was a very important virtue. I never saw him lose his cool, not even once! As a kid, it was always so exciting to meet up with my Uncle Ed, Aunt Natalie and the NJ cousins at my Munding grandparent's house in Tulsa. Since we lived nearby, it was always a big highlight to have family come in from out of state. My fondest memories at Grandma and Grandpa Munding's were being with my sisters, tons of cousins and my aunts and uncles in the backyard or down in the basement doing a performance. Even as a kid, I remember thinking how much My uncle Ed reminded me of my dad. He lived in NJ, but he still had his Munding 'Okie' ways. My sisters and cousins would laugh at the way our fathers would say the same things, laugh the same way, dress the same way and give us the same advice. I can remember Uncle Ed loving his food too! He would enjoy everything and in the moment think it was the best food he had ever had. I am pretty sure he felt the same way about each day of his life. He loved every minute of it and just felt like it was always getting better and better. I loved the way his eyes would light up with his grandkids and my kids too. If you know us Mundings, we are all like 'big' kids that never grew up and we love having kids around. Uncle Ed, you will be greatly missed! I am so happy I was able to spend you time with you over the summer. You will always be in my heart. I am happy to know that you are in good company, with my dad, Uncle Paul, Uncle Linus, Grandma Ruth and Grandpa Linus. We love you! Glenna Ruth, Manny, Mason and Mercer

Ange had ankle surgery and while recuperating there was a knock on the front door. When I aswered, I was shocked to see Ed. He had just come home from the hospital after one of his awful bouts with chemo. He gave me his usual big smile when I asked him what he was doing here. He said, "I came to visit Ange." I asked him how he came and he told me he walked. We had a great visit with him and were so moved by his concern for his friend when he was suffering. But that was Ed! We have many great memories over the last 30 years, but this one really stands out. We can't think of Ed without seeing that contagious smile and we will miss him dearly. Jo & Ange Orsini

How does one pick just one favorite memory? We could all probably write a book. Ed loved God, Ed loved his family and friends, and Ed loved America. Ed also loved a bargain. I think one of his darkest days was when Nichols closed. We old timers remember there was a Nichols before there was WalMart or K-Mart. Most any weekend you could find Ed searching the aisles for those bargains. I remember a story when BJ's had just opened years ago, and Ed found heaven. Well, one day Ed came home with this giant size can of chocolate pudding and Natalie says, "OH ED, what are we going to do with all this pudding?" Ed says," we'll eat it, its good, and it only cost $2.99. He just loved his bargains. Natalie was able to refine his taste, and his new haunt became Home Goods. You can still find some of Ed's bargains if you drive by his house. They are somewhat hidden among his bushes. Ed was my political buddy. Although I an Independent and he a Republican, we pretty much saw eye to eye, and I will treasure our trips to Washington DC. Although Ed has entered Paradise, his work for our country does not end. Ed, you do what you can up there, and I will continue the fight down here, for our grandchildren that they may know the God-given freedom our family came to this country to enjoy. We'll talk. I think of you and Natalie and can't stop the smile. What an honor to be your friend. My love just grows. Thank you, God. Marilyn Fox

No one will ever say: "Is that right?" the same as Ed did. It will always ring in my ears. Ed and I were the committee to obtain contributions and purchase items for the St. John Neumann Parish Hall/Church that was under construction. How could I not smile during Ed's memorial mass as the priest used the incense burner contributed by the Munding family and blessed the casket using the holy water dispenser that was the Fox family gift? While the building was still under construction, along with Fr. Anselmo, Ed and I pulled all speaker wire for the sound system and later, connected everything to get the system up and running. What a fun time with a great friend. I'll miss him dearly. Jim Fox

He may not have been 'blood', but he WAS and is my Uncle Ed. My fondest memories were as a little girl - the sleep overs I would have at the Munding household. Uncle Ed always made his 'famous popcorn' for us and had the BEST 'pretzel ice cream'. I also LOVE all the Christmas Eve holidays we spent with the Mundings AND how Uncle Ed and Aunt Nat enjoyed our Annual Halloween Parties. Their Sarah Palin and John McCain Costumes one them first prize! One of the FUNNIEST memories was when Uncle Ed, Christine and I went out to buy a Christmas Tree. We went to Produce Junction. Aunt Nat was NOT happy with the tree at ALL...but dang it was a BARGAIN (according to Uncle Ed) :-) He will be missed terribly and is LOVED immensely. All our love and strength continue to go out to the entire Munding Family. The Wallis Family (Doug, Carol and Amber)

Our fondest memory of Ed is the Birthday party for Ed that Natalie had at their friend's farm. Lou and I had so much fun! I remember that one of the dishes was General Tso's Chicken because it was one of Ed's favorites. It soon became one of my favorites, as well. We also remember Ed's smile that never left his face. You left a mark on all of us Ed. May God continue to bless your family as he so richly blessed you! Thanks for being a shining example of a wonderful husband and father. We can picture you now with that smile on your face in the warm embrace of Jesus and Mary. We will miss you!