Gerald Andrew Muench

Gerald, also lovingly known as Jerry, Jer, and Poppy passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on June 26, 2026. Gerald was embraced by his savior after a courageous battle with cancer. Gerald's strong faith and optimism did not waver despite the challenges and pain he endured.

Gerald had a passion for life defined by his unwavering integrity, his faith, his infectious smile, and his fierce love for his family and many friends. No one could have asked for a better son, brother, father, grandfather, and husband.

Born on July 20, 1965, in Bethesda, Maryland, Jerry (aka Bam Bam) was the fifth of six children of Gerald and Lida Muench. Jerry's first adventures included many moves around the country as a child of a Naval Officer. When moving from South Carolina to California, the family spent more than thirty days camping across the country. As a child, Jerry developed his love of the water, boating, fishing, and crabbing with his father and his siblings. He also never met a stranger, and his humor, mischievousness, and spirit naturally drew people to him. Jerry was an exceptional athlete. He was a force on the field when playing on his competitive soccer team and everyone loved to watch him. His love for the game as well as for outdoor activities and physical fitness continued into adulthood. His many nieces and nephews fondly remember visiting Uncle Jerry and his entertaining antics and the numerous “adventurous” boat rides.

While attending Louisiana Tech University, where he received his bachelor's degree, Gerald met Melissa Martin. Together, they brought three incredible children into the world: Gerald, Seth, and Baylee.

For Gerald, Seth, and Baylee, memories of their Dad were of hot summers cruising to the Pass for days of swimming and exploring on Robinson Island. He took them fishing in the Gulf and in the bays. Whether they were playing football, soccer, or twirling baton he was there, camera in hand, proud and supportive. They used to take what they would call “photo trips” on the weekends. They would go to parks and nature trails, each taking pictures of the beauty that surrounded them, except for Seth. No one ever put a camera in his hand (in truth, he was less interested in photography at the time, but he would still come along to explore). Along with hiking and spending time outdoors, when the sun would drift below the horizon, they would often spend time together playing video games. From trails and beaches to dungeons and raids, World of Warcraft was a favorite pastime that they brought back as a way to spend more time together over the past year. Over the years, he was where they would turn for all of life’s major choices for advice and wisdom. Every car purchase, home repair, or career move necessitated a call to Dad. They created more memories than could ever be put into words and his place will always be carried in their hearts.

Gerald settled in Alabama, where he joined the Office Depot family as the General Manager of the store in Foley, Alabama. Gerald worked for Office Depot for over 30 years and was a four-time recipient of the Champions Circle award, the highest award presented to management.

Gerald had an unlimited capacity for love. In 2013, Gerald's heart, family, and faith grew when he married Susan Shultz and became a father to Kyser and Mackenzie. Susan’s family easily became his family. Gerald had a special relationship with Susan’s mother Dee and her husband Larry and, of course, enjoyed fishing and boating or just visiting with her brothers Drew and Chris.

As with the rest of the family, Kyser & Mackenzie have special memories of biking through the state park, boating and fishing with Gerald. One particularly memorable trip to Gatlinburg TN, where Gerald refused to go over the glass bottom sky bridge. Instead, he even walked back down, despite the fact that they were all on the skylift. Another time, he took Kyser and his friends to Lake Martin’s Chimney Rock to jump off, but not before making sure to get all the parents’ approval first. A 27 hour family road trip to Maine with plenty of hangry occupants and rotating drivers. He also made many delicious meals, grilling and smoking himself.

Susan and Gerald also welcomed Simon, a student from Germany, into their household for a year and permanently into the Muench family. He visited many times over the years and Gerald and Susan visited his family in Germany. Gerald had such an impact on Simon that when Simon heard of Gerald’s diagnosis, much to Gerald’s delight, Simon came for a visit.

Gerald was a proud Poppy to Acelynn and Lennox. Gerald embraced Acelynn and Lennox and provided a home, later becoming a father to them. The joy and pride he had in his children and grandchildren was unsurpassed. He cherished nothing more than spending time with them.

Susan and Gerald built a beautiful life together and a loving home in Orange Beach and Perdido Key. They brought out the best in each other. Their escapades included bicycling twice across Oklahoma and Iowa, Missionary trips to Honduras and Puerto Rico, and a river cruise through Europe. They also loved traveling with their five children, exploring with their boats and fishing waterways they came across. Gerald's happy place was the lake house he and Susan totally refurbished and transformed into a place for family to gather. There was nothing better than enjoying time at the lake with his family.

Gerald was very competitive even against his own wife when cycling. They enjoyed date night dinners and a movie, strolling through the art shows, hiking trails, enjoying the beach, boating and fishing. They could embark on an adventure exploring locally, other states, or even other countries. It didn't matter the destination, as long as they were doing it together. Even after getting sick, his favorite thing to do was to snuggle with the family and watch movies.

Gerald was preceded in death by his father, Gerald W. Muench and brothers George and Michael Muench. He is survived by his wife Susan Muench, sons Gerald (Mia) Muench, Seth (Zoe) Muench, and Kyser Shultz; daughters Baylee Muench and Mackenzie Martinez; his mother Lida Muench, brother Stephen (Terri) Muench and sisters Kathy (Lee) McKenzie and Joyce (Larry) Powell; grandchildren Acelynn and Lennox Martinez; bonus children Simon Frohwein and Elise (Jeff) Miles, bonus grandchildren Kent, Bodhi and Shepherd and many nieces and nephews.

Gerald's legacy of love, faith, and the welcoming home he created will continue to be a comfort to all who knew him.

A celebration of Life will be held on July 1, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

The Island Church located at 25550 Canal Road, Orange Beach AL 36561.

In lieu of flowers donations may be given to the American Cancer Society.

https://raiseyourway.donordrive.com/campaigns/In-Memory-of-Gerald-A-Muench

ARRANGEMENTS BY
WOLFE-BAYVIEW
FUNERAL HOMES
& CREMATORY, INC.
2103 W. 1st STREET
GULF SHORES, AL 36542
(251) 405-2601
www.wolfefuneralhomes.com