Gerald "Jerry" G. Kralik

At 2:15 pm on Wednesday, November 16th, 2011, Gerald (Jerry) G. Kralik peacefully passed into life immortal. Jerry was born in Johnstown, PA, 57 years ago to Mary Jane and John Kralik. He spent his childhood in the Johnstown area, then attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania as a special education major. He met Nancy in freshman chemistry lab at IUP, and they were a couple for the next 40 years. They married on February 7, 1975, in Arcata, CA, and eventually found their way to Houston, TX. Jerry attended the University of Houston and received his bachelor's degree in computer science, then joined Missouri Pacific Railroad, soon to be Union Pacific Railroad. It was in Houston (for the first time) that his sons Galen and Logan were born, in 1988 and 1990, respectively. He left UP to move with the family to Findlay, OH, and further matriculated at Bowling Green State University with a master's degree in computer science. Afterward, Jerry worked at Marathon Oil Company in Findlay and then in Houston. Later in his life, when the family lived in Houston and the Netherlands, he was a full-time father to his sons, nurturing them and serving as a role model, instilling in them the strong values that they have today. Nothing was more important to Jerry than his family. He was dedicated to his sons' education and happiness, both in school and in sports, including coaching YMCA basketball. He always had time for his family and strived to make them smile. There wasn't much he couldn't fix on an automobile, computer, or house, given enough time. If one approach didn't work, he would pursue another until he achieved success. Jerry enjoyed woodworking - making tables, chairs, and tree houses. He maintained a positive attitude, despite numerous back surgeries. Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy, and his two sons, Galen and Logan. In addition, he is survived by his sister Janet Lewis and her husband Dave Lewis; brother Dan Kralik and his wife Emily; brother Larry Kralik; brother Jim Kralik and his wife Sue Kralik; brother Ron Kralik and his wife Janet Kralik; brother Bob Kralik; and a number of nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins. There will be a visitation on Monday, November 21st, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm at D.M. Dettling Funeral Directors, 14094 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079. The funeral service will occur on Tuesday, November 22nd, at 10:00, followed by a reception. The service and reception will be held at Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 18081 West Road, just east of the Berry Center on Barker Cypress. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Gerald G. Kralik Memorial Endowed Scholarship at the University of Houston (www.uh.edu) 301 McElhinney, Houston TX 77204-5016. For more information concerning the scholarship, please contact Janis Parsley at parsley@uh.edu or 713-743-8375.

Gerald "Jerry" G. Kralik

January 15, 1954 - November 16, 2011