On Feb. 11, 1977, Sheryl and Don decided to skip the state Wrestling tournament to stay home as Sheryl was pregnant. She went to her Dr. Appointment with Dr. Keefe, who told her she would still have 10 days to go.


Sheryl decided she was ready to have the baby. As Kristie had just learned to ride her bike, she and Sheryl started to ride and by late evening Sheryl was back at the hospital and Eric Thomas Gerky was born.


Eric, also know as Wick or Gerk was always a happy-go-lucky kid. He enjoyed playing outside and could always be found with his cowboy boots on, even in a pair of shorts.


Eric attended Cheyenne Wells schools from kindergarten through graduation. When in 6th grade, Eric decided he didnt like a boy Kristie had over and broke down her bedroom door. He then proceeded to chase the boy out of the house and down the street, BB gun in hand telling him you stay away from my sister.


Eric enjoyed school and could always be found in the middle of a class prank. In junior high, Eric and Kevin Simpson used a Karaoke toy radio to make Mr. Brown, the science teacher think he was being summonsed to the office. Upon returning, Mr. Brown found himself locked out and Eric laughing at him through the window. Mr. Brown had to go get the principal to get the main key, and they both proceeded to chase Eric around the class. While the class got a good laugh, Eric ended up in the principals office.



Eric participated in sports in junior high and played basketball in high school. Upon moving up to high school, Gerk found his love of cruisin. When he first got his license, he decided to show Ron Unruh and Shawn Kirby how good of a driver he was and took a corner a bit fast. Eric put his little white pickup in the snow bank. Needless to say he drove a bit more cautiously after that.


Eric also found his love for dancing and perfected The Gerk. He always could be found listening to The Doors or Kiss, playing Ouija board, and began his quest in becoming a black belt in Karate.


After high school Eric worked several different jobs, finally settling down in Pueblo, Colorado.



Eric loved to hunt Turkey, Pheasant, Deer and the occasional Leprechaun. He especially loved going to the farm in Kansas. Eric was always known to be the only one to catch much. He spent many nights sitting around bonfires, drinking beer and always had a Remember when story.


Eric also had an interest in the culinary arts and taxidermy, and could always be found looking for the best tasting Rocky Mountain Oysters. Eric also enjoyed making and cooking them for friends and not telling them what they were eating until they were done.


After surviving 43,000 volts of electricity, Eric now had stories of his near death experience and found himself with his nub. Eric never missed his thumb, as now he had a great conversation starter. He would always give you the nub, previously known as thumbs up.


Eric always wanted to get a tattoo, but could never decide on the perfect one, changing every week. He enjoyed playing softball and bowling in Pueblo, and was always on the quest for a better way to make money as he always had something else he wanted to buy.


Whenever he returned to Cheyenne Wells you would know it, as he was easy to spot in his blue and white plaid shirt and leather or KU hat. He could be found in the Tavern making Brenda Estep listen to The Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash. Once, playing it 20 times in a row. Brenda got her revenge, swapping the CD with Brittany Spears and leaving the same label. The next time Eric came in he heard Brittany 3 times in a row and politely requested it be changed back.


Eric was a comic and enjoyed life whether around Cheyenne Wells or Pueblo friends. He always had a smile on his face. Eric passed away May 30, 2009 at his home in Pueblo, Colorado.


He is survived by his parents Don and Sheryl Gerky, sister Kristie Blaze, nephew Joshua Blaze, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends.


He is preceded in death by his Grandparents Glenn and Kathy Feyh, Grandparents Jack Gerky and Bernice Hansen, Uncle Donny Feyh, Aunt Brenda Feyh, Uncle Robert Gerky, Aunt Nancy Gerky and cousins Rylea Bruce and Christopher Landry.


Eric was and is the apple of his parents eye, the better half of his sister, the best uncle to his nephew, and a best friend to all of his friends. He will be missed but never forgotten, for he will be with us all of the time.


A service of sharing and visitation was held on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at the Brown Funeral Home Chapel in Cheyenne Wells with Pastor Burry Bessee officiating. A funeral Mass was held on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Cheyenne Wells.


Memorial contributions can be made to the Eric Gerky Memorial Fund in care of the Kit Carson State Bank in Cheyenne Wells.