Jerry "Jake" Munter, 70, of Wayne, passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026 at his home in Wayne. Visitation will be on Monday, Aug. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Wayne First United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 10:30 a.m. at Wayne First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Wayne.
Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.
Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield.
Jake was born Aug. 15, 1955 to Dick and Bonnie (Poyar) Munter in Norfolk. His family made their home in Coleridge, where Jake attended grade school, before moving to Wakefield, where he attended junior high and high school and graduated in 1974. After graduation, Jake moved around trying to find his niche. At the time, all he really knew was milking cows. He eventually settled in Wayne, where he met his wife, Terri Thomas. The couple married in 1981, and three children were born to this union: Lucas, Amanda, and Adam.
Jake was a multitalented, self-made man who could do just about anything. From construction and masonry to electrical and plumbing, there wasn’t much he couldn’t tackle- including his wife’s many mess-ups without complaining.
Jake worked as a mason for Luis Thos for several years, eventually managing the company until it was sold. He then joined Milton G. Waldbaum, managing the Breaking and Grading operations and playing an integral role in establishing the hard-boiled and colored egg operations. He eventually became plant manager and resigned when the company became Michael Foods. Jake then spent a couple of years working for his father-in-law at Popo’s in Wayne before beginning his 25-year career at Heritage Homes. There, he managed Safety and Quality Control Systems until his retirement. Everywhere the family traveled, they seemed to run into someone Jake knew. He was known for his quick wit, sense of humor, and his habit of giving everyone a nickname—some more unique than others. To many local youths, he was simply “Grandpa Jake.”
Growing up in a 4-H family, Jake spent countless hours helping at the Wayne County Fair and guiding his children in horsemanship and cattle. He loved his family and grandchildren deeply. He taught many of them how to fish and was there when they caught their first fish. He enjoyed turkey hunting trips with family and friends and loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports. He was incredibly proud of all of them and rarely missed an event—even when attending by wheelchair.
Jake was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 23 years ago and fought a long and courageous battle. He was one of the first participants in the Rock Steady Boxing program in Wayne, which helped keep him motivated and moving forward. He found great mentors and developed many lasting friendships through the program. Jake rarely complained and, later in life, found a new passion for watching bull riding and Western movies. He also never lost his love for “anything sweet”!
Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Terri Munter; son, Lucas (Bailey) Munter and their children, Daveigh, Brodey, and Oakley, of Wayne; daughter, Amanda (Jared) Heithold and their children, Maddux, Reagan, Nora, and Tanner, of Wayne; son, Adam (Ashley) Munter and their children, Jayse, Braxton, and Ryker, of Elkhorn; sisters, Barb Swan and Bev Munter; sister-in-law, Tammie (Craig) Thomsen; brother-in-law, Tim Thomas; and a host of family and friends.
Jake was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law; brothers, TR and Gary Munter; and niece, Jenny Swan.
“It’s not about how hard of a hit you can give. It’s about how many you can take and still keep moving forward.”
Jake fought until his very last breath.
