Rev. Gerald A. Sroka

Deceased: 2024-12-09

Diocese: GARY

CSM Graduation Year: 1964

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Rev. Gerald A. Sroka of Hammond, IN, age 90, passed away on December 9, 2024, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He was born in Chicago on September 9, 1934, the son of Stanley and Charlotte (Rendak) Sroka. He was preceded in death by his brother Robert. He is survived by his brother Dennis and his wife, Alma, of Southport, NC, as well as several nieces and nephews.

Fr. Sroka was ordained a Catholic priest on August 13, 1960, at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary, IN. After completing graduate studies, Fr. Sroka assisted at various parishes St. John Bosco and St. Joseph in Hammond and St. Mary in East Chicago, as well as St. Mary and Queen of All Saints in Michigan City until he was named pastor of Sacred Heart in Gary in 1971.

Fr. Sroka served as pastor at Sacred Heart in Gary (1971-1976), St. Joan of Arc in Merrillville (1976-1983), St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Valparaiso (1983-1997) and Sacred Heart in LaPorte (1997-2004). He was given Senior Priest status on July 1, 2004. In the successive years until his death, he assisted at various parishes as requested.

Visitation will take place at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton parish, 509 W. Division Rd., Valparaiso, IN, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, beginning at 3 p.m. with the Rite of Reception of the Body, followed by visitation until evening prayer at 7 p.m. Morning prayer will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 19 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial. A luncheon will follow at the church.

Interment will be private and will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Calumet City, IL.

Arrangements entrusted to the Root Funeral Home.