Jay Wernke

Jay William Wernke was born on July 1, 1964 to Catherine (Thoene) and William Wernke in Gregory, South Dakota. Jay graduated from Gregory High School in 1983. On August 14, 1999 Jay was united in marriage to Sandi Karl at the Gregory United Methodist Church. Jay and Sandi Wernke welcomed nephews Shane and Dane Wernke into their home in 2004. Jay found great joy being such an influential part of their lives. Jay also reconnected with his son, Seth Creekmur, in the last few years. Jay's love of music began at a very young age. While most boys aspired to be firefighters or astronauts, Jay aspired to be a disc jockey. In high school, Jay began his career as a radio personality when he took his first job at K101 in Gregory. For years, he continued working with various radio stations throughout the Midwest, where he became known as "The Joker" Jay McKay. If you can believe it, he took a small hiatus and worked for a couple of years as a 911 Operator for the Pennington County Emergency Management Department taking 911 calls and dispatching the Rapid City Police department. The pinnacle of his career occurred when he started his own advertising agency, McKay Productions. Here, his largest client was Karl's TV and Appliances, where he managed all aspects of the radio advertising. Jay also had a passion for hunting and a love for dogs. These desires eventually evolved into operating a hunting guide service, which was founded on the comradery of his family and beloved twin labs, Bo and Luke Duke. He also took great pride in maintaining the condition and appearance of his father-in-law's family farm. Beside hunting and music, Jay loved all things with wheels from Willey's jeeps, Corvettes, Dodge pickups, to Harley's. He loved to cruise in his Corvettes with his wife and nephews, or cut loose on his own on his Harley V-Rod Muscle. Another hobby Jay enjoyed was golf. He relished the lazy weekends when he could watch golf with Sandi and hit the Gregory Municipal Course with her, his brother, Tyler, and father-in-law, Elmer Karl. Jay and Sandi loved spending Sundays at church then home for NFL football, with their beloved Westie, where Jay was a true Pittsburgh Steelers Fan. Even with his career and own personal hobbies, Jay still found time to involve himself in his Gregory Gorilla community, which he held in high regard. Jay took great joy in being able to use his knowledge, skills, and equipment to revitalize and operate the Hipp Theatre on Main Street, and contribute to the United Methodist Church. During his time working with the church, Jay found great reward in the deep friendship he was able to forge with Pastor Royal Archer. Jay William Wernke passed away unexpectedly on December 5, 2015. Jay is survived by his wife of 16 years, Sandi Wernke of Gregory, mother, Catherine Wernke of Gregory, brothers Mark and Tyler Wernke both of Gregory, sister Kari and brother-in-law Curtis Kerner of Dallas, SD, son, Seth Creekmur of Dallas, SD, nephews Shane and Dane Wernke of Gregory, and father-in-law, Elmer Karl of Gregory, along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Jay was preceded in death by his grandparents, Fred and Lily Thoene, Gene and Daisy Wernke, father William Wernke, mother-in-law Kay Karl, and sister-in-law Cindi Nikodym. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Funeral services for Jay Wernke, 51, of Gregory, SD, were held Thursday, December 10, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Gregory with Pastor Royal Archer officiating. A prayer service was held Wednesday evening at the church. Anne Fogel and Carrie Howard were in charge of registration. Betty Warnquist and Kristi Roeder were flower attendants. Music was provided by Bette Fogel, pianist, and Michael Karl, soloist, singing "Amazing Grace, My Chains are Gone." Congregational song was "All Things Bright and Beautiful." Recorded music was "There's a Rainbow" by Marty Stewart and "Go Away, Stop, Turn Around, Come Back" by Steep Canyon Rangers. Casket Bearers were Dan Ferwerda, Todd Pearson, Scott Anshutz, Pat Kayl, Jeff Thomas, and Scott Schramm. Burial was in Rosebud Cemetery, Bonesteel, SD. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Without Warning You left us without warning Not even a good-bye, And I can't seem to stop Asking the question why? I didn't see this coming It hit us by surprise, And when you left for heaven A small part of me died. Your smile could brighten anyone's day, No matter what they were going through, And every day for the rest of my life I'll be missing you.