Robert Munter and Paul Munter – Florida – Cory and Nicole Family History

Those of you related through my Great Grandfather Robert Munter probably have heard the story of how his brother Paul left town one day and the family didn’t know where he went, where he ended up or any details after he left Cedar County, NE.

In the search to try and find Paul I found a Social Security application where he applied for a number in Detroit, Michigan. I was also able to find his death certificate in Manatee County, FL. Thankfully his parents are listed on the certificate as there are more Paul Munter’s in the world than you may think, and with parents listed we know this is the correct Paul. I was even fortunate enough that shortly after finding this information I was on a work trip in Florida and was able to stop by the cemetery – my colleague thought I was crazy!

Those details did put closure on the wonder of what happened to Paul. He never married according to his death record in 1981.

Now here’s an interesting story. As more and more newspapers are digitized I just happened to notice the Bradenton, Florida paper was online. In the March 1, 1962 issue it lists Robert Munter of Coleridge, NE as one of the people to catch a fish aboard the “Best Bet”. Bradenton, FL is a 30 minute drive from Ruskin, FL, Paul’s last residence. These cities are just south of Tampa, FL. I’m sure my Great Grandfather would have been ecstatic to have met his brother and it makes you wonder if Paul would have been pleased after all that time to see family? Who knows – with towns that close, they may have passed each other on the street at one point and not even realized it.

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