John F. D. Mundt

“The name of John F. D. Mundt is well known in business and official circles of Sioux Falls, where for many years his influence has been a tangible force for good in the community and where he is serving in a capable and discriminating manner as city commissioner of waterworks and sewerage. His business affairs are capably and carefully conducted and have brought him a success which places him among the substantial and representative men of the city. He was born in Hjorring, Denmark, August 16, 1853, and is a son of August F. and Christina (Bendt) Mundt, the former a native of Germany. The parents came to America in 1862 and settled first in Meriden, Connecticut whence one year afterward they moved to Brownsville, Minnesota. In 1880 they took up their residence in Sioux Falls and later in Hartford, South Dakota. Thee father died in 1895, at the age of seventy-eight, and the mother in the following year.

John F. D. Mundt acquired his early education in the public schools of Brownsville, Minnesota, and later attended business college at La Crosse, Wisconsin. In 1878 he located in Sioux Falls and with his brother-in-law, Frank Kunerth, as partner established a general store there, which they conducted successfully until 1880 when Mr. Mundt disposed of his interest to his partner. He then removed with his parents to Hartford, South Dakota, and there engaged in the general merchandise business and later added grain and livestock, retaining his connection with those lines until 1899. He then disposed of his interest there and returned to Sioux Falls, where he has now important commercial and financial relations. He is a director in the Security National Bank of Sioux Falls.

Mr. Mundt has been twice married. In 1877 he wedded Miss Louisa Glucks, who died leaving two children, Charles F. and Herman D. Mr. Mundt’s second wife was in her maidenhood Miss Fannie B. Oaks, and they have become the parents of seven children: John W.; Irene C.; who married Roy Donahoe, of Sioux Falls; Fred A.; Rosalie A.; Fannie Luella; Thelma L.; and Theodore Roosevelt.

Mr. Mundt is a member of the Lutheran church. He belongs to the Elks Club, is a thirty-second degree Scottish Rite Mason and hold membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and in matters of citizenship is progressive and public-spirited, giving his aid and cooperation to many movements of advancement and reform. In 1894 he was elected treasurer of Minnehaha county and served for two years, refusing renomination at the end of that time.  In 1913 he was elected city commissioner of Sioux Falls and was assigned to the financial department and in 1914 was elected commissioner of waterworks and sewerage, in which capacity he is doing farsighted work in the public service. He is well known in Sioux Falls as a man of tried integrity and worth, and he and his family stand high in the estimation of the community.”

George W. Kingsbury, History of Dakota Territory, Vol. 5 (Chicago: S. J. Clarke, 1915) pp. 954 – 957.

John F. D. Mundt lived to the age of 80 years and was buried on March 22, 1933, in the family lot in Block 16 – Lot 6 of the cemetery. He rests with his parents, both wives, and several children.