Leona Lillie Gerik

Leona Gerik, age 86, of Mart, passed away late Sunday morning, November 1, 2020 at Providence Hospice Place in Waco. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 5, 2020 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Elk, with Rev. Walter Dhanwar as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home in West. Limited capacity, facial masks, and social distancing are required at all services. Leona was born December 12, 1933 in West, the daughter of John and Emma (Dirba) Dvorak. She attended the old Alligator Creek School. On September 8, 1952 she was united in marriage to Eugene Gerik Sr. in West. Leona was a faithful member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Elk. She was also a member of the SPJST Lodge #126 and St. Anne's Altar Society, both in Elk. Leona was a mother, homemaker and helped her husband on the family farm. She enjoyed cooking and baking and was known for her delicious pecan rolls. Leaving Momma's house hungry was something that never happened. She loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Leona is preceded in death by parents; a son, Eugene J. Gerik Jr.; and sisters, Mary Alice Young and Evelyn Kolar. Survivors include her beloved husband of 68 years, Eugene Gerik Sr. of Mart; her children, Patricia Reesing and husband Robert of Mart, Bernice Gerik of Mart, Janet Hykel and husband Eddie of West, and James Gerik and wife Lanette of Mart; a daughter-in-law, Jilji Gerik of Mart; a brother, John Dvorak Jr. and wife Patsy; a sister, Georgie Hutchison; a brother-in-law, Raymond Kolar; her grandchildren, Rhonda Fitch and husband Mike, Jennifer Reesing, Mark Gerik and wife Brittni, Phillip Gerik and wife Shelly, Teresa Gerik, Thomas Gerik, Vicky Gerik, Chris Hykel and wife Sammy Jo, Ashley Mynarcik and husband Chad, Justin Gerik and wife Leigh Ann, Jason Gerik and wife Liz, Bryan Gerik, and Brooke Gerik; her great grandchildren, Kyle, Caiden, Hayleigh, Keston, Lynlee, Aaron, Wyatt, RaeLynn, Dylan, Luke, Dannie, Trevor, Nash, Avery, Carson, and Elena; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are Jennifer Reesing, Mark Gerik, Phillip Gerik, Thomas Gerik, Chris Hykel, Chad Mynarcik, Justin Gerik, Jason Gerik, and Bryan Gerik. Honorary pallbearers are Rhonda and Mike Fitch, Teresa Gerik, Vicky Gerik, Ashley Mynarcik, Brooke Gerik, Brittni Gerik, Shelly Gerik, Sammy Jo Hykel, Leigh Ann Gerik, Liz Gerik, and her great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph Cemetery in Elk, Providence Hospice or charity of choice.