Obituary for Gerard Stodolka
It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Gerard “Gerry” Leroy Stodolka on August 09, 2022, at St Joseph’s Home in Medicine Hat at the age of 86 years.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Mary, of 65 years; his four children, Glen (Debi), Wanda (Garry), Joyce (Boyd) and Blaine (Donna); his seven grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren. Gerry was born September 25, 1935, to Markus and Ruby Stodolka at the family homestead, where he was raised and worked the farm with his dad until 1960 when he took sole ownership. Gerry and his wife, Mary, then raised their children making it a third generational operation which gave Gerry immense joy and pride – resulting in 100 years of Stodolka ownership. Gerry was a devoted family man. He loved baseball, fishing, playing cards, dice, playing pool, tinkering and fixing things for himself and others. He loved to travel, but even more he loved being present and supportive of his children’s lives and their sporting events. Gerry was also involved in the Knights of Columbus since July 1, 1958 for a total of 64 years and sat as a board member for the church for six of those. Gerry also spent his time as a counsellor for the RM Enterprise from 1973-1991 for 18 years keeping him busy. Gerry retired to Medicine Hat in 1997, however he did not retire from baseball and continued to play until no longer able to for a resounding 70 years. One of his highlights of retirement from baseball was when he was surprised, awarded, and honored for 25 years of playing in the Medicine Hat Senior Slow Pitch League, which blessed him tremendously. Lastly, our family and all who knew him will remember his amazing smile. He will be missed more than we can begin to put into words. Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held on August 14, 2022 at 7:30 pm at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB. The Funeral Service will be held at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4V3 on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 11:00 am with Father Iqbal Khurshid officiating. Memorial gifts in Gerry’s name may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Gerard Stodolka.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Mary, of 65 years; his four children, Glen (Debi), Wanda (Garry), Joyce (Boyd) and Blaine (Donna); his seven grandchildren; and eleven great grandchildren. Gerry was born September 25, 1935, to Markus and Ruby Stodolka at the family homestead, where he was raised and worked the farm with his dad until 1960 when he took sole ownership. Gerry and his wife, Mary, then raised their children making it a third generational operation which gave Gerry immense joy and pride – resulting in 100 years of Stodolka ownership. Gerry was a devoted family man. He loved baseball, fishing, playing cards, dice, playing pool, tinkering and fixing things for himself and others. He loved to travel, but even more he loved being present and supportive of his children’s lives and their sporting events. Gerry was also involved in the Knights of Columbus since July 1, 1958 for a total of 64 years and sat as a board member for the church for six of those. Gerry also spent his time as a counsellor for the RM Enterprise from 1973-1991 for 18 years keeping him busy. Gerry retired to Medicine Hat in 1997, however he did not retire from baseball and continued to play until no longer able to for a resounding 70 years. One of his highlights of retirement from baseball was when he was surprised, awarded, and honored for 25 years of playing in the Medicine Hat Senior Slow Pitch League, which blessed him tremendously. Lastly, our family and all who knew him will remember his amazing smile. He will be missed more than we can begin to put into words. Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held on August 14, 2022 at 7:30 pm at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB. The Funeral Service will be held at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4V3 on Monday, August 15, 2022 at 11:00 am with Father Iqbal Khurshid officiating. Memorial gifts in Gerry’s name may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Gerard Stodolka.