Dr. Wayne M. Munson, a longtime Colorado Springs anesthesiologist and retired U.S. Army Colonel, passed away on January 25, 2014 at the age of 82.
A celebration of his life will take place on Tuesday, February 18th at 2 PM at the First United Methodist Church, 420 North Nevada Avenue, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903.
Dr. Munson was born in Madison, Wisconsin and was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and University of Wisconsin Medical School. He also received a B.S. from Baylor University. He began his medical career in the Army and served in the USA and Germany as the consultant to the Surgeon General of Europe, and as chief of Anesthesia at U.S. Army Hospital at Frankfurt, and later in the Reserves, being recalled for Desert Shield/Storm. Dr. Munson began his 24 year private practice of anesthesiology in Colorado Springs in 1967 at Penrose Hospital, Memorial Hospital and St. Francis Hospital.
Dr. Munson was preceded in death by his parents, Milo and Ruth Munson and is survived by his wife Barbara and her three sons, William, Timothy and Erik (Mary) Helsley and her grandchildren: Jacob, Katherine, Victoria and Hunter Helsley. He is survived by a sister: Sandra (Lowell) Gjermo of Deerfield, Wisconsin. He was married to Sonja Munson (deceased) with whom he had three daughters who survive him: Karen Woodall, Kirsten (Greg) Williams and Erica (Tom) Rieber and six grandchildren: Paul Montoya, Jennifer Woodall, Garrett and Anna Williams and Kara and Cole Rieber.
Dr. Munson was a 40 year member of the Pikes Peak Range Riders and many local and national medical organizations. He was an avid outdoorsman which led him on adventures around the world, culminating in many friendships and amazing experiences. He was a kind and gentle man who enjoyed sharing his knowledge and passions with others.
Please consider memorials to: Denver Fisher House Foundation 14001 E. Iliff Avenue, Suite 210, Aurora, Colorado 80014 or The Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758540 Topeka, Kansas 66675-8540.