Memorials › Alfred Edward “Freddy” Gerik
Alfred Edward “Freddy” Gerik
12 Oct 1924 – 18 Sep 2010
| Birth | 12 Oct 1924 |
| Death | 18 Sep 2010 |
| Cemetery | Saint Marys Catholic Cemetery West , McLennan County , Texas , USA |
| Added by | Michael K Goldsmith on 25 Sep 2012 |
| FaG | https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/58875543 |
Bio
Alfred E. "Freddy" Gerik, 85, of West, Texas, passed away Saturday, Sept. 18, 2010, at his residence. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption with Msgr. Isidore Rozycki, the Rev. Ed Karasek and the Rev. Anthony Odiong as celebrants. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery conducted by West V.F.W. Post #4819. A rosary will be recited 7:30 p.m. Monday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. Alfred E. was born in West, Texas, to the late Frank and Lydia (Milberger) Gerik. He attended St. Mary's School and graduated from West High School. Freddy served his country during World War II with the United States Army Air Corp. On May 3, 1948, he was united in marriage to Nita McPherson in Dallas. They owned and operated F.G. Gerik & Son and Gerik Appliance Store for over 50 years until his retirement in 1986. Freddy was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, where he served as usher. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2305, Czech Heritage Society, where he served as President and a state Vice-President, V.F.W. Post #4819, American Legion Post #824, S.P.J.S.T. Lodge #6 in Cottonwood, K.J.T. Society # 31, and served on the West Independent School District Board. Freddy, known affectionately as "Fireman Fred" to several generations of West Elementary and St. Mary' school children, dedicated his life to fire service after his family's home was destroyed by fire when he was a young boy. Inspired by the dedication of his employer, R. J. Hruska, Freddy became a volunteer firefighter for the West Fire Department in 1957. He worked his way through the ranks and became Fire Marshal in 1984 and Fire Chief in 1989, becoming one of the best chiefs the community of West has ever known. Freddy led the charge for fire safety talking to West 3rd graders every year, holding essay contests and poster contests locally, regionally, and at a state level. He beamed with pride when a local student placed at state. In 1991 and 1993, he was named the Central District Fire Fighter of the Year. Freddy not only served West, but was a faithful member of the McLennan County Fire Protection Association, serving as a former President and County Fire Marshal. He was just as dedicated to the State Fireman's and Fire Marshal's Association, where he served in all offices and was named the Firefighter of the Year in 1993 for the State of Texas. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Cyndy Gerik Angelo ; a brother, John Lee Gerik ; and a great-nephew, John Lee Gerik III . Survivors include his beloved wife of 62 years, Nita Gerik, of West; sons, Jimmy Gerik and wife, Cindy, of Dallas, and Steven Gerik and wife, Melanie, of Carrollton; daughters, Amy Quaid and husband, Tommy, of Carrollton, and Glenda Keyes, of Columbia, S.C.; grandchildren, Brittany Angelo, Tyler Angelo, Haley Gerik, Nicholas Gerik, Gabriel Gerik, Tyler Clayton, and Chelsea Bell; great-granddaughter, Elly Ann Bell; nephews, John Lee "Buddy" Gerik Jr., Tommy Gerik, Phil Gerik, and Mike Gerik; a niece, Karen Bittner; and many other relatives and friends. Waco Trib: 9/19/2010 - 9/20/2010...J6
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