Alfons A. Gerik

Alfons A. Gerik, age 85, of Ross, passed away late Friday night, March 17, 2017 at Providence Hospital in Waco. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Monday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel, with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Rev. Paul Hudson as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard. Alfons was born January 1, 1932 in Cottonwood near West, the son of Ludvik and Mary (Matus) Gerik. He attended West High School and served his country in the United States Army with the Military Police. On November 21, 1959, he was united in marriage to Doris Kolar in West. Alfons worked for General Tire and Rubber Company for over 33 years before retiring in 1987. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. Alfons was also a member of the American Legion Post #478 and KJT Society #31 of West. Alfons enjoyed fishing, bird hunting and grafting pecan trees for many West area homes. He especially loved spending time with his family and taking care of them. Alfons is preceded in death by his parents; a son, Darrell Gerik; a grandchild, Ryan Gerik; and sisters, Violet Parma, Ruth Dudik, Mary Marek and Christine Soukup. Survivors include his beloved wife of 57 years, Doris Gerik of Ross; children, Suzanne Radford of Grand Junction, CO and Glenn Gerik of Hewitt; a brother, Lawrence Gerik and wife Linda; a sister, Leona Whitley and husband Jack; a brother-in-law, Johnny Soukup; grandchildren, Breann Gerik, Heather Gerik and Nolan Radford and wife Cheyanne; great-grandchildren, Kayden, Mya, Raelynn and Scarlett; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Mike Parma, Gary Parma, Jerry Dudik, Kevin Neill, Chris Ashley and Bill Warren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Providence Hospice or West Volunteer Ambulance Association.