Bernard Gerik

Bernard G. Gerik, age 81, of West, passed away early Saturday afternoon, June 22, 2024 in Waco, surrounded by the love of his life and his family.

A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Timothy Vaverek as Celebrant, assisted by Deacon Robin Waters.

Bernard was born August 10, 1942 in Waco, the son of Rosie (Berger) and Arnold Gerik Sr. He attended schools in Tours and West and was a 1960 graduate of West High School. On January 23, 1964, he was united in marriage to Linda Kay Harrison in West. Bernard was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2305 and the West Bass Club. He worked for West True Value Hardware for almost 50 years before retiring in 2020. Prior to that, he worked for Trans Electric in Waco. Bernard enjoyed fishing, bird watching, and drinking a good cold beer. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He was known as one the finest and nicest men you will ever know.

Bernard is preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Donald Gerik; and a sister, Mona Zahirniak.

Survivors include his beloved wife of 60 years, Linda Gerik of West; his children, Troy Gerik and wife Darla, Tammy Snokhous and husband Mark, and Terry Gerik and wife Misty, all of West; his grandchildren, Matt Gerik and wife Baylie, Nathan Gerik and wife Hope, Paige Snokhous, Kelsey Snokhous and fiancé Dean Pechillo, Libby Gerik, and Marley Gerik; three brothers, Arnold Gerik Jr. and wife Ruby, Bruce Gerik, and Brice Gerik and wife Robi; two sisters, Marcia Prause and husband Joe, and JoAnn Jones; a sister-in-law, Barbara Gerik; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Pallbearers are Matt Gerik, Nathan Gerik, Sammy Gerik, Aubrey Gerik, Bob Gerik, Mike Gerik, Rudy Rizo, and Ralph Pustejovsky.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Knights of Columbus Council #2305.