Robert C. Munnecke, 93, a former president and owner of a meatpacking company, died Thursday, Sept. 20, in the Washington and Jane Smith Retirement Home in Chicago of complications related to a heart attack. A lifelong resident of the Beverly neighborhood, Mr. Munnecke graduated from the University of Illinois in 1928 with a degree in agriculture. Mr. Munnecke then joined P. Brennan Meatpacking Co., earning $25 a week moving cattle and hogs into the pens, said his son Will. Mr. Munnecke moved up in the company to jobs as foreman, plant manager, officer and then president, retiring in the late 1960s when the company folded with the closing of the Chicago Stockyards. After forging a second career in marketing and investments, Mr. Munnecke retired for good at 60. “He was forced to start all over when I was in college,” his son said. “He re-established everything and made it all back again.” During World War II, Mr. Munnecke was a member of the Army Reserve but did not see active duty because his company’s work was important to the war effort. “He had a job that was essential to the military,” his son said. In 1932, Mr. Munnecke married Cecile Gilroy, whom he met in college. She died in 1991. Mr. Munnecke was a founding member of the Beverly Improvement Association and a member of the Beverly Art Center and Beverly Hills University Club, which produced community plays to raise money for college scholarships. Other survivors include another son, Robert Jr.; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday in Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home, 5570 W. 94th St., Oak Lawn. Services will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.
