Anton Tony Gerik

Anton "Tony" Gerik, age 76, of West, passed away early Monday morning, September 17, 2007 at West Rest Haven. A rosary will be recited 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel by Rev. Ed Karasek. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Msgr. Isidore Rozycki as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery conducted by V.F.W. Post No. 4819 of West. Mr. Gerik was born on January 30, 1931 in Elm Mott, the son of Peter and Antonia (Hlavaty) Gerik. He attended the Leggett School and served his country with the United States Army. On June 27, 1953 he married Georgia Tomasek in West. She preceded him in death on August 6, 1976. Then on June 7, 1980 he was united in marriage to Glenda Hartis in West. For over 45 years Tony was a sewing machine mechanic for many sewing factories including Lorch Manufacturing in West, J.M. Wood, Waco Apparel, and most recently Fab-Knit all in Waco, until his retirement in 1999. After his retirement he became a dedicated funeral assistant for Aderhold Funeral Home. He was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West where he served as an usher. Tony was also a member of S.P.J.S.T. Lodge No 6 in Cottonwood and Western Fraternal Life Association. He was a very accomplished accordion and guitar player, playing for many bands through the years including "The Music Masters"; he also played at the monthly birthday parties at West Rest Haven. More than anything, Tony loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed deer hunting, camping, fishing, and mowing grass. He is also preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Olga Nemec and Judy Nemec. Survivors include his beloved wife of 27 years, Glenda Gerik of West, a son, Dennis Gerik and his wife Diane of Vermilion, Alberta, Canada; a daughter, Paula Berger and her husband Kevin of West; four grandchildren, Jamie Grant, Brantyn Gerik, Georgia Gerik, and Bethany Berger; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Active pallbearers are Steven Nemec, Tim Nemec, Bernard Gerik, John Sulak Jr., Larry Nemec, and Jerry Maynard. Honorary pallbearers are all of his music buddies and employees of Aderhold Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Parish Center or St. Martin's Catholic Church Building Fund.