Aldine Emma Muench, 88, of Cissna Park passed into eternal life on August 4, 2026, after complications from surgery. She was born on March 15, 1938, in Menfro, Missouri, to Ernst and Emma (Hadler) Bachmann of Farrar, Missouri. She married LeRoy E. (Lee) Muench on October 11, 1958, in Farrar, Missouri, and they were together for 67 years. They grew up near each other and began dating in high school after Lee sat behind Aldine in band and “liked the view.”
They were the parents of six children who argued which one of them was her favorite: Brian of Lenexa, Kansas, Brenda (Dana) Christopher-Muench of Windermere, Florida, Belinda (Duane) Bjorklund of Summit, Illinois, Bethanie (Robert) Marshall of Cissna Park, Becky (Michael) Drennan of Neoga, Illinois, and Beverly (Mark) Carter of Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She is survived by her husband Lee, one brother Raymond Bachmann, her six children and spouses, 16 grandchildren (Jordan, Jonathon, Jonah, Jaden, Julia, Jennifer, Jillian, Michelle, Brandi, Blake, Stephen, Dallas, Jessica, Marcus, Ethan, and Andrew); 18 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren, 9 in-laws, including, Barb Muench of Emporia, Kansas; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her three brothers, Orville, Norman, and Vernold Bachmann; two sisters, Loretta Givens and Euline Koenig; eleven in-laws, and two grandsons, Dustin Marshall and Jaron Muench.
In the early years of their marriage, Aldine worked at Concordia Teacher’s College while Lee was in school. Rosalyn Wilkening of Cissna Park and Aldine became friends while at Concordia; Rosalyn told them about a business opportunity in Idaville. In 1962, they moved to Idaville, taking over a gas station and restaurant business. Lee and Aldine’s Cafe ran from 1962-1977. The restaurant was known for Friday-night fish dinners, Sunday lunches featuring fried chicken, homemade pies, and fresh donuts.
Her love language was cooking and sewing for others. She made quilts for all her children and grandchildren, and donated hundreds more to World Relief. She was a hard worker, running the restaurant while raising six kids. She loved gardening, growing and canning vegetables (lots of pickles!), sewing, quilting, helping in her church, and in her later years, teaching others how to make pies. She had a good sense of humor and was always willing to lend a hand. Above all, she was a strong Christian, living a life of service and joy in the Lord.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Knapp Funeral Home in Cissna Park and one hour before the funeral service. The funeral service will be Monday, August 10, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth, with Pastor Michael Ruhlig officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Woodworth.
And, for the record, her favorite child was….
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