Roll Call Tribute

Ronald Joseph "Ronnie" Gerik, Sr.

November 13, 1953 - December 13, 2024 

Ronald "Ronnie" Joseph Gerik, Sr. passed away at his home in Aquilla, Texas, on Friday, December 13, 2024, at the age of 71.

A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott, with Rev. Ed Karasek, Rev. Stephen Nesrsta, and Deacon Terry Timmons as celebrants. Burial will follow nearby at Scott Chapel Cemetery near Aquilla. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday at Aderhold Funeral Home.

Ronnie was born to Jerry and Irene (Muehlstein) Gerik, November 13, 1953, in Waco, Texas. He attended Aquilla School through grade school, graduating in 1972. He played football, basketball, and enjoyed his Ag department. He enjoyed his childhood growing up with his siblings, the Cox boys, and so many other friends he loved to tell stories about. He then attended Texas A&M University, majoring in Ag Business and graduated as a member of the Centennial Class of 1976. Whoop!

Ronnie's highest priority was always where his heart led him, first and foremost to his beloved wife Marsha and 3 sons, Ronnie Joe, Jacob, and Zachary. He married Marsha Matus, his high school sweetheart, on June 26, 1976. Ronnie adored and treasured his marriage with Marsha, even blowing her kisses in his final moments of life. Marsha is the daughter of the late Albin and Adele Matus of Bellmead. Marsha and Ronnie lived a special marriage full of life and full of love in Aquilla for almost 49 years. Ronnie was thankful and proud of his wife and sons, and his grandkids were his diamonds, his pride and joy!

Ronnie made it a priority to celebrate life. He enjoyed preparing the hogs to make sausage from Great Grandpa Gerik's family recipe going back to Czechoslovakia. Always alongside his Dad, brothers, sons, and a cold beer! He felt the importance of continuing the family legacy by jarring sauerkraut, and putting up garden vegetables like black-eyed peas and tomatoes from his and Marsha's lovely garden. Traditions ran deep for Ronnie. He loved the tradition of frying and smoking turkeys at Thanksgiving for close friends, cousins, and all of his family. Ronnie was devoted to his Catholic faith, making it a priority to go to Mass and live a life of values. He and his family were members of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Abbott, where he served as Eucharist Minister and president of the Parish Council. Ronnie was always honored and proud of his 4th degree Knights of Columbus membership. He enjoyed hosting and cooking food for his loved ones, always celebrating with his favorite cocktails. Great memories were made cooking gourmet meals for his Priest friend Rev. John Molnar. Everyone loved to hang out with Big R!

Ronnie loved taking care of his home and yard full of his magnificent Oak and Pecan trees. He planted wild flowers annually on the county road-sides around his home for everyone to enjoy. He was a man that focused on the natural beauty all around him, and he loved to go see new places, traveling as often as possible. He loved taking Marsha and his boys on family vacations around the country from the beaches to the mountains. Traveling was a favorite pastime for Ronnie going on several cruises and road trips with Marsha and the boys.

Ronnie was a well-known Hill County farmer and cattle rancher. He raised cotton, corn, wheat & milo along with his cattle. He loved the land, and he loved to contribute to the farming community. Ronnie served on many committees in the cotton industry, including President for Blackland Cotton and Grain, serving two terms in the National Cotton Council, one term on the Cotton Incorporated Board, and serving as President of the Texas Cotton Producers multiple times. He was a representative for the American Cotton Producers and served as chairman of the Hill County FSA USDA committees for nine years. His time shared with Marty Jungman on the Hill County entomology steering committee was a joy. He had a heart for service. From an early age, Ronnie worked with his family and brothers at their Cotton Gin and Seed Company in Aquilla, (G&P Seed Company). It meant a lot to him that his sons could keep that family business going to this day.

Outside of his service and work, Ronnie was an avid football fan. He loved his Aggies and Cowboys! After graduating from Texas A&M University, he purchased season tickets and remained a member of the 12th Man Foundation and Texas A&M Century Club Member. He couldn't wait for his weekends spent watching the Aggies and Cowboys play football, always loyal even in their ups and downs. Some of his sons' favorite memories are watching football with Dad.

Ronnie had a signature bellowing laugh that was infectious and lit up the entire room, big or small! He had a laugh that you would never forget, echoing in the halls of eternity. You could hear him from across the room, and you knew - Ronnie’s here! His smile was as big as his laugh! Ronnie loved to tell jokes! Marsha and Ronnie loved to entertain! They hosted the Gerik and Matus family Christmas party for twenty years in their home. Holidays meant time with family and friends, sharing their love, and it was their most favorite time of year.

Ronnie is preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Dennis, Jimmy, and Timmy Gerik; and brothers-in-law, Ernie Janek, Albin Jr. Matus, and Marshall Matthews.

Survivors include his beloved wife Marsha Gerik of Aquilla; three sons, Ronnie Joe Gerik and significant other Thelizabeth Boyd of Aquilla, Jacob Gerik and wife Ann of Aquilla, and Zachary Gerik and wife Denae of Waco; grandchildren: Kaylin Gerik, Ryan Gerik, Gabriel Gerik, Brennan Gerik, Graham Gerik, and Eberly Gerik; brother, Jerry Gerik Jr. and wife Denise; sisters, Debbie Janek and Kathy Matthews; sister-in-law, Linda Gerik; Marsha's family, Ken and Monica Williamson, Benny and Kim Matus, Milton and Mary Jean Matus, Marsha Ann and Miles Skipper, Charlie Reither, Marcia Matus, and JoAnn Cepak; aunts, Lucille Lednicky, Margie Goldberg, Betty Stanislav, and Patricia Zapletal; and all nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Active pallbearers are John Gerik, Paul Gerik, Jason Janek, John David Janek, Joshua Gerik, Daniel Hill, Matthew Matus, Andrew Williamson, Austin Sparks, and David Nors. Honorary pallbearers are Jerry Gerik, Milton Matus, Benny Matus, Biv Cox, Hal Cox, Ken Williamson, Ricky Sparks, Donald Bailey, Randy Ryno, Marty Jungman, James Maass, Barney Pustejovsky, James Buzbee, Jared Crawford, Zach Clark, Camerino Lara, David Gerik, Ricky Sullins, and all other nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank all of the EMS, Hospitals, Rehabs, Nurses, Doctors, and home health-care workers for their relentless care and support of Ronnie and Marsha throughout their journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the following: Ronnie Gerik Agriculture Scholarship Fund, Aquilla Volunteer Fire Department, or Scott's Chapel Cemetery fund.

You are invited to share your thoughts and memories of Ronnie in the memorial guest book found at www.aderholdfuneralhome.com. Aderhold Funeral Home in West is in charge of arrangements.