Gerald Lee Janysek

April 14, 1959 – May 23, 2024

 

Written by his daughters: Sydney and Shelby. Read with love by his youngest brother, Mark.

Gerald was first and foremost a funny, loyal, fair, smart, and strong individual. Gerald’s sense of humor was a light that never failed to brighten our days. It didn’t matter if it was a quote from a beloved movie, a silly joke he heard, or a mischievous prank; he had a special ability to make others laugh. I’m sure many of you remember his uncanny Donald Duck impression, a talent he would often showcase to the sheer delight of children and adults alike. His joy in making people laugh, especially the kids, was infectious, illustrating not just his sense of humor but his kindheartedness. It was this unique blend of silliness and wit, that made Gerald fun to be around.

Gerald’s accomplishments were numerous: including playing center on his football team in Beeville and helping the team go to the playoffs, graduating North Texas State University, and starting a paper route that he would pass down to us younger siblings. But if you asked him, his greatest achievement was his family. Marrying Becky was the pinnacle of his life’s successes. Becky was not just his wife but his partner. She helped to make him a better person and it was with her by his side that they brought two wonderful daughters into this world, Sydney and Shelby. Gerald would speak of his girls with such visible pride and joy. His love for them was boundless, and in them, his legacy continues.

Just like our father, Gerald loved coming to family gatherings at holiday times such as Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. He told his girls several times that he understood exactly why Popo loved being around the family during the holidays.

He said it was a fun family time filled with games such as dominoes and white elephant. He enjoyed sitting in the room contributing and listening to all the love, laughter, and conversations taking place with the whole family in one place.

One unyielding quality for Gerald was his fairness. I guess being one of eight kids really taught him the importance of keeping things even. He never wanted to forget anyone who had sent him a Christmas card or a birthday card. He would always try his best to return the favor. Gerald’s loyalty and family-oriented nature extended beyond blood relations, welcoming close friends and animals into the folds of his family. He has had several pets over his life: his beloved horse Trigger (who was born around the same time he was), Samantha (the family dog that he first got with Becky), Bella (his favorite grand-dog) and of course we can’t forget all the family dogs growing up: Blackie 1, Blackie 2, Blackie 3… HA!

Sundays were a testament to his dedication to both his faith and his favorite pastime. As a Catholic, Gerald balanced his Sundays between his faith and his love for football, particularly his beloved TN Titans. The moments of shared excitement and devotion were cherished by Gerald. As man who found joy in the simple pleasures of life, he enjoyed dove hunting, going to dances, traveling on family vacations, and taking trips camping on lake with family and friends. Whether it was mowing the lawn, grilling on a Saturday, or herding cattle and mending fences, Gerald truly loved being outside.

His ability to entertain others, was not his only strength. As his health began to decline in his final years, his resilience, his unwavering strength, stood as a testament to his character. He faced his challenges head-on showing us all what it truly means to be strong. It was his emotional and spiritual endurance that truly defined him.

After Becky passed, we saw a change in him. He would often dream of her, especially towards the end of his life. It is a comfort, at least, to think of them reunited now, beyond the confines of this world. Gerald’s journey, especially through his challenging final chapters, taught us the essence of courage and the power of faith.

One of Gerald’s most endearing qualities was his ability to surprise us. Take, for instance, the bedtime stories about his fictional pet mouse, Walter, which he would recount to his girls. These tales, shared at bedtime with his daughters, was a beautiful glimpse into Gerald’s imagination and the playful bond he shared with Sydney and Shelby. These stories, filled with Walter’s adventures, while entirely fabricated, showcased Gerald’s vivid imagination and his love for storytelling. It was a cherished ritual, one that not only entertained but fostered a unique bond between father and daughters, a testament to Gerald’s loving and playful spirit.

The absence of his adventurous spirit will be felt deeply by all who knew him. Gerald, you will be dearly missed but never forgotten. May you rest in peace, reunited at last with your beloved Becky. Your smile and laughter will continue to live on, in our memories and in our hearts.

Thank you.