Our beloved Father and Patriarch, Gerald N. Krcilek left this Earth on 3/22/2023 in LaPorte, IN at the age of 88. Gerald was born March 3rd, 1935 in Berwyn, IL to his parents Gerald J. and Jennie M. (Mannia) Krcilek. Gerald married Marlene (Beam) Krcilek October 12th, 1957 in LaPorte at St. Joseph Church and they celebrated 54 years together before Marlene’s passing in 2013.
Gerald loved spending time in nature, and for many years, his morning routine included walking his loyal pets in Fox Park. Wherever he was, he was always on the look-out for American Indian artifacts, which he often found and collected. His love of nature carried over into fishing, mushroom hunting, planting trees and feeding all the neighborhood birds! Over the years, he enjoyed taking numerous road trips in his many station wagons. (The minivan of the day!) He always traveled with his large family in tow, along with a heart filled with faith and God. His love of nature kept many animals safe and well-fed, and any turtle found crossing the road was certain to be rescued by Gerald! As a proud patriot, not a day went by that he didn't put-out his American flag!
He retired from Whirlpool, after 30+ years of working in their Quality Control Dept. He was definitely OUR quality guy!
Gerald is survived by his children, Christine (Richard) Ward, Juliet (Steven) Eaton, Gerald Matthew Krcilek (Pablo Montes De Oca) and Charles Krcilek. Grandchildren include Robert Sabie Jr., Erik (Jennifer) Sabie, Christopher (Raney) Sabie, Hannah Sabie, Nicholas Krcilek, Alexander Krcilek, Sarah Krcilek, Andrew Ward and Emily Ward (Ken Yarber). Great Grandchildren are Memphis Sabie and Egan Sabie. He’s also survived by his sisters Marilyn Levendoski and Shirley (Richard) Pietraszewski, several cousins and many nieces and nephews. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, wife Marlene, daughter Pamela Krcilek and brothers Michael and Donald Krcilek.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 28th, 2023, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana. A Vigil service will begin at 6:30 p.m.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 29th, 2023, at Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph Church, 109 C Street, La Porte. Reverend Nate Edquist will officiate. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are kindly accepted to the following organizations: Saint Vincent De Paul Society, 109 “C” Street LaPorte, IN 46350, or The Archeological Conservancy, 1717 Girard Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106-9924, or Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12 th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508-1497.
To light a virtual candle, share a story of Gerald’s life or leave a message of comfort for his family, please visit esslingfuneralhome.com.
