Jerry Munk
Jerry Munk (November 16, 1953 – April 5, 2025), a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and servant of Christ, passed away at age 71. Born in Lansing to Mervin and Normajean Munk, Jerry was the third of five children. He grew up in Lansing, graduated from Sexton High School, and settled in the Eastside Neighborhood, spending over 40 years in the centennial home he brought back to life. He returned to college in adulthood and earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Northwood University.
On June 18, 1977, Jerry married Janice Kelly at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, where they remained faithful members for 48 years. Together, they raised three children—Anna Ruth, James (Michelle), and Christina—and delighted in their grandchildren Zoe, Daniel, and Lewis. Jerry taught Sunday School for decades, playing guitar and singing for the little ones before taking on his favorite service, teaching the high school class.
His life’s work was the Work of Christ Community. Jerry met Jan there and served in countless roles. From administrative “servant,” to director of The Christian Childcare Center, to senior coordinator. Jerry also played a major role in serving The Sword of the Spirit, a broader community network which includes the Work of Christ. His leadership earned him and Jan respect and friends worldwide.
Jerry excelled at cooking, hosting, art and woodworking, being useful, and doing things well. He enjoyed camping by Lake Michigan, Sunday brunch, strolling through Lansing’s old neighborhoods, and reading history. He wrote and taught about Christian community, finding new life in the Holy Spirit, parenting, and living practically as a disciple of Jesus Christ. He was careful, competent, dependable, and kind.
Jerry is survived by his wife; children; grandchildren; siblings Nyla, Dale (Susan), Ron (Angie), and Marlene (Larry); many nieces, nephews, and extended family. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday at the Estes-Leadley Funeral Home (325 W. Washtenaw St., Lansing) from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and then from 6:30 to 8:30 PM (a Trisagion prayer service will be offered at 7:30 PM). The funeral will be held Thursday at 10:00 AM at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (1701 E. Saginaw St., Lansing), which will be available on livestream. A simple luncheon back at the church will follow the interment. If desired, the family would appreciate donations to Holy Trinity or to Kairos North America.
18 Messages to “Jerry Munk”
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MargoB
April 6, 2025 at 7:22 pmI am so sorry to hear of the passing of this good man. He had such a compassionate heart, as well as a fine sense of humor. I have also admired his humility.
May his soul come into eternal rest with God.
Jan, Ruthanne, Jamie, and Christina, may you know God’s comfort. All of you are in my prayers.
Patricia Willard
April 7, 2025 at 2:30 pmDear Jan and family,
Our hearts are broken along with yours. We speak for our entire parish when we say that we will terribly miss Jerry – our gentle giant of kindness and faith. Our prayers are with you all for God’s comfort and peace. May Jerry’s memory be eternal.
Pat and Steve Willard
Joe Doyle
April 7, 2025 at 3:25 pmJerry was such a wonderful brother and inspiring example of godliness to me over the years.
I remember one time, Mary and I were in Lansing for a regional CDT meeting and stayed with Jerry and Jan. The evening we arrived was the night for Jerry’s men’s group meeting and I had the pleasure of joining in. Jerry had a discussion question he put out to focus the first part of the evening. As is so often the case in such situations, not all of us stayed focused on the topic with all of our contributions. Jerry was quietly sitting there, occasionally chiming in, but mostly listening. More than once, he would make a point or ask a question that I noticed perfectly reoriented the discussion to bring us back on task. Yet, he did it so casually and gently that it would be very easy to miss what he had done. I thought that demonstrated a wonderful leadership style that seemed to capture an important aspect of his personality. He was so calm, comfortable and humble that very often he was in complete control of a room without anyone even noticing.
I will miss you, brother, until we meet again!
Joe Doyle
People of God Community
Pittsburgh
Tim DeWaters
April 7, 2025 at 4:17 pmI met Jerry about fifty years ago and knew then he was a saint. I told myself that when I grow up I want to be just like Jerry.
He was a great servant of God and to those Jesus sent him. Thank you for sharing him with all of us.
Becky McCarthy
April 7, 2025 at 5:44 pmThis funloving, joyful, humerous, patient, kind, caring, peaceful… man will be greatly missed. From my childhood and into adulthood, I have so many wonderful memories of Jerry Munk. May his soul rest in peace. Prayers for his family.
Suzanne Marie Moore
April 7, 2025 at 5:59 pmTo the Munk Family: May your cherished memories of Jerry bring you comfort and may knowing that he is in God’s loving embrace give you peace.
Lisa Ivey
April 7, 2025 at 7:56 pmJerry was one of my favorites! So genuine, humble and kind. He had a great sense of humor and I always loved his talks-they were always engaging & helped listeners make personal connections. He was not just a community servant but, also served people in a more personal way. May you find peace in his memories. He will be missed. I am sure he is dancing in heaven -even though he does not much like dancing.
With Love & Prayers -Lisa??
Judy Magee
April 8, 2025 at 12:01 amJerry was a beautiful Christian example of a man, dedicated spouse to Jan, and wonderful father to his children, James Ruthieanna, and Christina.
His newest role, as a grandfather to Zoe, Daniel, and Lewis pleased him immensely, and he started a new tradition to have Grandpa’s Thursday night dinner for everyone, and he loved it.
Jerry exemplified a beautiful Christian marriage with Jan, the love of his life for 48 years.
Mary Rose Jordan
April 8, 2025 at 10:44 amJerry was an amazing person, I was always struck by his kind and gentle nature, his patience and his considerate nature- and his commitment. His knowledge of the history of Christian communities, not just SoS but others as well, always impressed me. Jan, Ruthie, James and Christina, this is such a lovely tribute. I know your hearts will be hurting and we are keeping you in prayer, but my word what a legacy your father leaves behind. And I cannot help but think of how overjoyed he will be to meeting his heavenly Father. With much love and care- Mary Rose
Jason Koval
April 8, 2025 at 4:41 pmI had the privilege of meeting Jerry 37 years ago as a wayward student at MSU when some college folks brought me to a prayer meeting. I was warmly greeted by Jerry and over the years since then have continued to be inspired by his example as a faithful servant of our Lord. He was and will always be an inspiration of what a diligent disciple can become, even in this life. Thank you Jerry for everything you did, always warmly greeting us and making us feel loved.
Pam Kelly
April 8, 2025 at 9:11 pmJerry won the hearts of the Kelly girls during our time in the Work of Christ Community. He was always kind. He was a great listener, always sharing a beautiful smile and warm hug. He and Mrs Munk were great friends to my mom and dad (Jim and Shirley). Thank you for shining “the Light of Christ” ! Hugs and prayers to you all. Thank you Jerry Munk for making a positive impact on my teenage years.
Linda Luginbill
April 9, 2025 at 10:13 amI had the privilege of knowing Jerry for over 50 years. When we were single, he would ballroom dance with us ladies, only dancing once with each gal. He made me feel like I was a great dancer! Jan and Jerry got married one week after Dave and I. I sang in the choir at the wedding, in Greek, as best I could. We’ve shared vacations, countless meals, worship times, summer camp fun, and deep discussions. I will miss his laugh, his wisdom, his humble attitude in hard situations, his example of serving our Lord with his whole heart, mind and strength. I will miss his dinner rolls, haha! Jerry was the same age as me, so it won’t be too long before I get to join him in heaven, going further up and further in. See you soon, dear brother.
Lynne M Karagoulis
April 9, 2025 at 12:30 pmJerry has been a pillar of strength for so many of us at Holy Trinity and the Work of Christ. His reliable, diligent, humble and untiring service was a gift and an example to all. We love you, Jerry, and though you will be missed, you are in a better place. Your are in our hearts and your memory will be eternal….
Matthew 25: 23: “Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master.”
Kathleen Caruso
April 9, 2025 at 12:59 pmI enjoyed having all 3 of Jerry’s children in middle school at Resurrection! Such delightful children with delightfully supportive parents!!
I am praying for Jan and her children.
Hugs and prayers to all of you!!
Thank you for being supportive parents and delightful students!!
Jeanne Smith
April 10, 2025 at 11:08 amI was able to watch the livestream on Youtube. What a beautiful tribute your pastor gave to Jerry. What a great loss all of us will feel missing this wonderful servant of Jesus. My condolences to your family. I weep with you. With love, Jeanne Smith
Megan Papanikolas Dowell
April 10, 2025 at 4:15 pmJan, Ruthie, James and Christina,
I was extremely saddened to hear about Jerry’s passing. Jan and Jerry were an integral part of my teenage years. Whether it be learning about Golgotha from Jerry in Sunday School or seeing Jan selflessly serve at every event the church hosted, these pillars of strength, faith and community were knit into my faith journey and will not soon be forgotten. I also greatly appreciate the love, care and servitude that was bestowed upon my family when we experienced a loss by the Munk family.
Good people show up for others and the Munks are always the first ones in line to help.
May you look back on the precious memories and find peace in knowing that Jerry’s love is eternal. Hold on to that infinite love and let it be your guiding light.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dick & Kathy Schaefer
April 10, 2025 at 4:48 pmDear Munk family,
Our sincerest condolences to all the Munk clan. Though very sorry to miss attending Jerry’s funeral, we prayed with the livestream at Muldoons’ (Emily & the kids joined us too). We added our amens to the lovely tribute for this holy man of God. Jerry was a true model of living the Christian life to the fullest. He was wise, faithful, kind, encouraging, patient, persevering, loyal, and always welcoming with a warm, affectionate hug 🙂
Jerry thought outside-the-box, lending depth to discussions by suggesting better alternative ways to approach a situation. His leadership helped our community through numerous difficult issues.
Dick has fond memories of living at the Burcham single men’s household with Jerry during the mid-1970’s. In an effort to reach out and be a Christian witness to the neighborhood, Jerry concocted the idea of putting the Alpha & Omega symbols on the front porch. It attracted the attention of the sorority next door … they were momentarily excited about having a fraternity nearby! Some light hearted moments – playing sardines and helping Bob Swanson do his exercises. At Dick’s 49th birthday party, Jerry shared that he never knew that you could make your bed while you were still in it until he observed Dick do it at Burcham.
Not long ago, Kathy was contemplating a teaching Jerry once gave about having an Attitude of Gratitude OR Quit Your Bellyaching. (She may have been bellyaching at the time) As always, Jerry’s teaching was down to earth, thoughtful AND memorable. We are now doing our best to apply that teaching – trying to be grateful for Jerry’s life with us these many years, rather than registering our complaints that we would have preferred to have him with us still.
Many prayers for comfort as you mourn the loss of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather.
With love, Dick & Kathy
Paul Dinolfo
April 21, 2025 at 4:29 pmIt was my privilege to know and serve with Jerry for over fifty years. Jerry was always faithful, ready to do whatever needed to be done. If he didn’t know how to do something, he would learn how to do it. He cared deeply for people, especially members of his natural and spiritual family. When people raised questions or criticism of his leadership (e.g., during the covid shutdown), Jerry would patiently listen and respond with humility and kindness to everyone. Jerry lived what he taught and called others to do. His last five years Jerry gave us a great example of how to continue to love and serve the Lord & others even as our physical health declines. He finished the race well and has entered into the joy of his Master! We will all miss him greatly.