January 9, 1939 — September 20, 2023
Gilbert Edward Canik, 84, of Industry, TX, passed away suddenly on September 20, 2023 in College Station, Texas.
He was born on January 9, 1939 to Rudolph I. Canik and Lorena (Crenek) Canik in Frelsburg, Texas. On October 6, 1963, he married Darlene Huebner. They were married for 31 years, until Darlene's untimely death from cancer in 1994.
Gilbert was employed by the Texas Department of Transportation where he worked in the Engineering Department as a records keeper for 41 years. Gilbert was also very proud of his service to our Country in the U.S. Army. He was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church serving in various roles throughout the years, the Industry Knights of Columbus Council # 10224 and the Shelby American Legion Post # 602. The Knights of Columbus organization always held a special place in his heart. Before the formation of the Industry Council, he belonged to the Msgr. Gury Council #5157 in Frelsburg. There he held the positions of Grand Knight, District Deputy and began his lengthy tenure as Financial Secretary. He was one of several who helped form the Msgr. Edward Geiser Council #10224 in Industry and was honored to serve as their Financial Secretary for 31 years. He did so with great devotion and enthusiasm and this by far was his greatest accomplishment. He was diligent in his record keeping and never missed a deadline. His organizational skills assisted the council in receiving various awards, including The Texas State Charity Award received for many years running. Proudly he held this position until his retirement in July of 2021.
Gilbert loved polka and waltz music, listening to Ricky's Polka Show on KULM, and keeping Ricky supplied with birthday and anniversary requests for family and friends throughout the years. Dancing was a favorite pastime for him and wife, Darlene. They were known to be quite graceful on the dance floor and could really cut a rug. Gilbert enjoyed working with his cattle and working on the farm.
Devoted to his family, Gilbert was a wonderful husband and father. He waited for his daily phone call from Cindy at 8:30am and let her know if she was late. He was a proud PawPaw to his grandsons, Jesse and Ethan, who he loved dearly. He was always there for them and could be found at their Little League games, band marching competitions, and various other activities throughout the years. There are many wonderful memories including road trips that always resulted in getting lost, going to AstroWorld, the Aggie vs. TCU bowl game, rides on the Farmall tractor, and playing board games, not knowing the rules and making up their own as they went, just to name a few.
Gilbert is survived by his daughter, Cindy Wilde, and husband Ed of Frelsburg, son Ricky Canik of Industry; grandchildren Jesse Brannon and wife Krystin of Lucas, TX and Ethan Brannon and wife Amber of Pewaukee, Wisconsin; sisters Madeline Vitek and Dorothy Gully of Fayetteville and sister in law, Shirley Klaus of Brenham. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Lorena Canik; wife, Darlene Canik; brothers in law Clem Gully, Jr., Frank Vitek, and Roy Klaus.
Visitation was held on Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus, Texas. A vigil service was held at 6:00 pm with a Knights of Columbus Rosary to follow. Funeral Service was held on Monday, September 25, 2023 at 10:00 am at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Industry, TX. Father Joe Doran and Father Wayne Wilkerson officiated. Visitation at the church was from 9:00 am to 10:00 am. Burial took place in Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Frelsburg, TX.
Pallbearers were Dean Vitek, Dave Weishuhn, John Gully, Robert Nelson, Bernie Stephan, and Bruce Pilcik. Honorary Pall Bearers were Jesse Brannon, Ethan Brannon, Industry Knights of Columbus #10224 and the Shelby American Legion Post #602.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Industry K.C. Council #10224, P.O. Box 808, Bellville, TX 77418, Industry Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, P.O. Box 808, Bellville, TX 77418 or Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church/Frelsburg, 1031 Church Lane, New Ulm, TX 78950.
Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com. Henneke Funeral Home, Columbus, Texas
