Eric Gryka

GRYKA (Cedar Springs) - Mr. Eric C. Gryka, age 54, passed away on Monday, January 11, 2010. Growing up in Rockford, Eric learned about the Catholic faith and the value of hard work. As a young man he helped his father with his job, plowed snow, and would tease his baby sisters. When he was younger he would communicate in a private language that he and his twin-sister, Anne shared. After high school, Eric worked in the Maintenance Department of Rockford Public Schools, worked for Charles Ziebarth Printing, and then worked at Oliver Products as a foreman who would travel to different locations to work on hitches. He was a very giving person and always volunteered to help his parents and siblings. After developing fibromyalgia, he left work. Eric and Cheryl liked to travel, spend time at their cottage, go boating, or play cribbage; but best of all he enjoyed spending times with his grandchildren and helping his step-son. He loved to fish and was often referred to as "the fish whisperer." In leisure time he taught his sons how to play the guitar. Eric is survived by his loving wife, the former Cheryl Ladner; children, Eric L. Gryka and fiancée Nicole, Amy and Tony Hawley, Private Dennis J. Gryka and Andrea Starkweather, LaVern and April Schoonmaker, Daniel and Jennifer Schoonmaker; 11 grandchildren; parents, Louie and Maude Gryka; brothers and sisters, Paul and Terri Gryka, Tom Gryka, Anne and Steve Rowloff, Nick and Lynne Gryka, Helen and Bill Metzger, Jennifer and Brian Kwiecinski, Tina and Dennis Clonan; nieces and nephews; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins; mother-in-law, Mrs. Elizabeth Moff-Wyman; and in-laws, Roland and Pat Metcalf, and Duane Metcalf. His brother, Larry preceded him in death. The Mass of Christian Burial for Eric will be offered at Assumption BVM Catholic Church, Belmont, on Friday at 11:00 a.m. with The Rev. Peter Vu presiding. Interment in Assumption Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed on Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the American Cancer Society . Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the Pederson Funeral Home on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and prior to the Mass at the church on Friday. Pederson Funeral Home, Rockford www.pedersonfuneralhome.com