Arthur W. Mundt
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Arthur W. Mundt of Hadley Massachusetts passed away peacefully at his home in Hadley on January 28, 2022. He was 93. Arthur was born May 23, 1928, in Springfield Massachusetts to Katherine and William Mundt, immigrants from Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire (now part of Ukraine), respectively. He and his sister Evelyn (now in Agawam) grew up in Springfield. Arthur graduated from Technical High School in 1948 and was hired by Foster Machine Company where he worked as a draftsman. In 1952 he enlisted in the US Army National Guard and was honorably discharged in 1955. In 1960 Arthur joined his cousin Carl H Psholka as a partner in Berkshire Plastics Company, Inc. in East Longmeadow Massachusetts, eventually serving as President until his retirement in 1998.
Arthur met the love of his life, Jean A. Symancyk of Westfield at a Lutheran Walther League dinner in 1950, apparently after Jean 'rearranged' her table seat card so that she could sit next to Arthur! Jean and Arthur were married in Westfield on April 25, 1953, and they celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary in 2021.
Jean and Arthur bought a home in West Springfield where they raised their daughter, Dr. Diane J. Mundt (d. 2013) and son, Dr. Kenneth A. Mundt, now in Amherst. They later moved to Hadley to be close to Ken and his wife Elizabeth, and their children Dr. Sarah E. Mundt (now in Colorado), Amanda K. Mundt (d. 2013) and Zachary K. Mundt (now in Texas).
Arthur was a devout Lutheran and he and Jean were charter members of Grace Lutheran Church in West Springfield, where Arthur served in several leadership roles including Church Council member, Treasurer and President. After moving to Hadley, Arthur and Jean joined St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Holyoke.
Arthur and Jean loved Cape Cod and vacationed there with the family almost every summer since 1960. In 1985, they built their own vacation home in North Eastham and loved spending long weekends there year-round. Arthur's favorite activities on the Cape were taking long walks on Coast Guard Beach, eating fresh seafood, and clamming - in Salt Pond (where steamers once were as abundant as stones!) and on Cape Cod Bay. He especially delighted in eating lobsters and taught his children and grandchildren how to find every edible morsel!
Arthur was beloved for his kindness, generosity and gentle strength - not only by his family but also by his employees and his extended church family. He inspired many to do the right thing, and to treat all people with respect: he always will be remembered for his patience, values and as a cherished role model.
A private memorial gathering will be held with family and close friends. Donations in honor or Arthur's commitment to others may be made to the charity of your choice. Memorial guestbook at www.douglassfuneral.com