Michael J. Gerety

Michael J. "Mike" Gerety, 61, of Topeka, passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2006 at his home. He was born on August 8, 1944 in Topeka, the son of John H. and Marie C. Arvidson Gerety. He graduated from Topeka High School and attended Washburn University. Mike was a pipefitter for Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company for 35 years before retiring in May of 2005. After retiring, he taught a Goodyear apprenticeship program at Kaw Area Vo-Tech School. He was of the Catholic faith. He was a member of Rubber Workers Local Union No. 307, the Knights of Columbus and was an avid bicyclist. Mike married Rebecka A. Bright on November 5, 1965 in Topeka. She survives. Other survivors include their children, Michael Thad and wife, Kim, Wade Scott and wife, Erin, and Heather Dawn, all of Topeka, grandchildren, Ashlee, Amanda, Spencer, and his brother, Robert Gerety and wife, Sherri of Wichita and a host of family and friends. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of his life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Northland Christian Church. Private inurnment will take place at a later date. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Penwell-Gabel Mid Town Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Midland Hospice Care, 200 S.W. Frazier Circle, Topeka, Ks. 66606. A special message may be given to the family online at www.PenwellGabel.com.