August “Augie” Munoz, Former DeForest Superintendent, Dies

August “Augie” Munoz, 93, died Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Bay Harbor Memory Care in DeForest, Wisconsin. He was born August 7, 1932, on Guam, a U.S. territory in the Pacific, to Jose and Elena (Garrido) Munoz.

Military service and a career in education

After high school, Munoz enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Following an honorable discharge, he studied at the University of Wisconsin–Superior and earned a master’s degree in education.

During his college years, he spent summers working at Camp Nebagamon on Lake Nebagamon. There, he mentored young men as they developed personal goals and confidence.

He met Barbara Evenson in Superior. They married in March 1960 and moved to Merrill, Wisconsin, where they started their family and raised two sons, Scott and Jeffrey.

Munoz taught American history at Merrill High School and coached debate. He later entered school administration in the Merrill School System.

In 1978, he became superintendent of the DeForest School System. He held the position until retiring in 1989.

Community involvement and interests

Munoz participated in DeForest community groups, including the Lions Club, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce and DeForest and Windsor Now.

He also created an oratorical contest that offered scholarships to DeForest High School students who demonstrated an understanding of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The event commemorated Constitution Day on September 17.

Outside work, he jogged daily and enjoyed tennis and golf. He played competitive tennis in various championships. After retirement, he and Barbara spent winters at their Arizona home for nearly 30 years.

He remained interested in American history and the Constitution throughout his life. Giving people pocket copies of the Constitution became a familiar habit, and his license plate read TJ 1776.

Family and funeral arrangements

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Elmer, Ben and Johnny; sister Theresita (George) Flores; and his wife, Barbara.

Survivors named in the notice include Scott, Jeffrey and Rea (Cassidy), along with grandchildren Devon, Seamus, Liam, Aidan and Molly.

Other survivors named in the notice include brothers Joe Munoz and Ignacio (Geri) Munoz; many nieces and nephews; and Steven Baker, Shyrine McKitrick and Jerry Sass.

His family thanked Mike and Bernice Hirsch for their friendship and support, as well as staff at Bay Harbor Memory Care and Agrace Hospice.

A funeral was scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at St. Olafs Catholic Church, 623 Jefferson Street, DeForest, WI 53532. Visitation was scheduled for 9:30 to 11 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Military honors were to follow.