Dennis L. Gerik

Dennis Lee Gerik, age 58, of Aquilla, passed away late Friday evening, January 9, 2009 at Hillcrest Medical Center in Waco. A rosary will be recited at 5:00 p.m. Sunday at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Rev. B. George as celebrant. Burial will follow at Fatima Cemetery near Abbott. Dennis was born on January 14, 1950 in Waco, the son of Jerry and Irene (Muehlstein) Gerik. He attended schools in Aquilla and graduated from Aquilla High School in 1968 before attending Texas A&M University. On May 29, 1971, he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart, Linda Pustejovsky in Abbott. Dennis worked in the agriculture business as a farmer and rancher and was a co-owner of G&P Seed Co. in Aquilla for over 30 years. He enjoyed working, watching old western movies, and especially loved spending time with his grandchildren. Dennis was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #11230, K.J.T. Society No. 107, Hill F.S.A. County Committee, Hill County Crops Committee Member, the Texas A&M 12th Man Foundation, the Texas A&M Former Student Association and the Aquilla/Nolan Soil Conservation District. He also served on the Aquilla School Board and Aquilla Water Supply Company. Dennis was also a lifelong member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott, he where formerly served on the parish council. Dennis is preceded in death by his mother, Irene Gerik; father-in-law, Dan Pustejovsky; and his brother, Tim Gerik. Survivors include his beloved wife of 37 years, Linda Pustejovsky Gerik of Aquilla; his father, Jerry Gerik, Sr. and wife Martha of Aquilla; two sons, Dennis "John" Gerik and wife Molly of Abbott and Joseph "Paul" Gerik and wife JoAnn of Aquilla; three brothers, Jerry Gerik, Jr. and wife Denise and Ron Gerik and wife Marsha, all of Aquilla and Jimmy Gerik and wife Martha of Reedley, CA; two sisters, Deborah Janek of Aquilla and Kathy Hill and husband Rick, of Burleson; five grandchildren, Lauren, Kyle, and Will Gerik, and Lesley and Morgan Gerik; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Pallbearers are Chris Janek, Kevin Janek, John David Janek, Jason Janek, Brian Markwardt, Eric Markwardt, Curtis Lesley, Joshua Gerik, Ronnie Joe Gerik, Zachary Gerik, Jacob Gerik, and Daniel Hill. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church of Abbott or the Waco West Kidney Center.