Dennis J. Sulak

Dennis J. Sulak, age 78, of West, passed away early Saturday morning, December 29, 2012 at his residence. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., with a rosary to be recited at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption by Dale Petter. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Msgr. Henry Petter and Rev. Walter Matus as celebrants. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Dennis was born November 2, 1934 in Hill County, the son of Joe D. and Mary (Holacka) Sulak. He attended Aquilla, Cottonwood and West Elementary School and was a 1953 graduate of West High School. He then attended McLennan Community College and Baylor University. On January 4, 1954 he was united in marriage to his school sweetheart, Rose Marie Petter in West. Dennis worked for the Texas Highway Department from 1954 to 1956. In 1956, Dennis became the Engineer Superintendent for General Tire and Rubber Company where he worked for 39 years before retiring in 1995. He was also a RVOS insurance agent, a farmer and rancher. Dennis was a lifelong, faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. He served on the St. Mary's Quarterback Club, West I.S.D. School Board, the St. Mary's Parish Council, and was past president for the Hilltop Water Board. He was a member of the K.J.T. Society #31 and S.P.J.S.T. Lodge #6. Dennis enjoyed traveling, polka dancing, restoring antique cars and farm equipment, and spending time with his family. He was Godfather to numerous nieces and nephews. Dennis is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Ronald J. Sulak; brothers, George Sulak and Norman Sulak; and sister, Leona Tays. Survivors include his beloved wife of 58 years, Rose Sulak of West; two sons, Richard A. Sulak and wife Kay of West and Duane M. Sulak and wife, Nancy of Robinson; two daughters, Catherine Sulak of West and Laura Crouch and husband David of Itasca; daughter-in-law Cindy Sulak of Troy; grandchildren, Julie Sulak Tonkin and husband Derek, Jason Sulak, Kaylie Sulak Stroud and husband Matt, Kacie Sulak, Rachel Taylor, Jacob Sulak, Aaron Michelle Sulak, Ryan Crouch and Adam Sulak; great grandchildren, Bryce, Brandt and Bella Tonkin and Lylah Joanna Stroud; and many Godchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are Jason Sulak, Derek Tonkin, Matt Stroud, Jacob Sulak, Ryan Crouch and Adam Sulak. Honorary pallbearers are Julie Sulak Tonkin, Kaylie Sulak Stroud, Kacie Sulak, Rachel Taylor and Aaron Michelle Sulak. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's School in West.