Gerald Lee Tomek

Gerald Lee Tomek Jr. passed away unexpectedly on Saturday January 26 2013 at his home in Wenatchee Washington. Gerry Lee was born to Carol and Gerald Tomek Sr. on November 28th 1978 in Aberdeen South Dakota. In his early years, he was a skinny, blue eyed, blond haired kid with big glasses; he was always in the center of all the neighborhood kids. He attended Henry Neil elementary and loved playing chess and sports. He attended Aberdeen Roncalli High school, but eventually transferred and graduated from Aberdeen Central High School. In 1997 Gerry moved with his parents to Mesa Arizona. He attended NAU in Flagstaff AZ, an area he dearly loved. After two years at NAU, he transferred to ASU where he received his bachelor's degree in business, followed by his Master's degree. While attending college, he worked part time in the ASU business office, and after graduation secured a job at ASU in the Office of The President; which he enjoyed greatly. At this time, during a trip to Viet Nam, he met his future wife, Nga Truong and soon he brought her to the US; they were married in 2004. The birth of their daughter, Jada Pearl Tomek followed in 2008. In 2011 after accepting a position in the financial department Wenatchee Valley College, he moved his family to Wenatchee Washington, a small picturesque town in the middle of Washington State on the Columbia River. Where he was employed and lived until his untimely passing. During his life, Gerry Lee has made many lifelong friends at all ages. Especially close to him was, first and foremost, his Grandpa Bernie Tomek Sr., with whom he spent much of his time, until his grandpas passing in 2002. Also close to him, the entire Ed and Susan Krogman family in White River South Dakota. He always felt it was his second home. He had many friends in high school and college, as well as his private life. Most notably, while working in the office of the president, were his immediate boss, Asta Caltagirone, and the President of ASU, Michael Crow. Also very close to him in his adult life were his friends, Jorge de los Santos and Manuel Reyes, with whom he always enjoyed spending time. We know there are many more to be named, and wish we could name all of them. Gerry had a big heart, and he appreciated you all... He enjoyed playing chess in his earlier years, going to collector's shows with his father, and hunting in the South Dakota badlands near White River. People were drawn to him and were always impressed by his honesty and integrity. He tried very hard, and often succeeded, to make things better for everyone around him. He was always trying to raise the standards around himself and for the people that were connected to him. He was a soft spoken gentle giant who was everything to his daughter Jada, as she was to him. Just seeing them together, would immediately bring a smile to your face. He is survived by his loving wife Nga Tomek, his daughter Jada, as well by his parents, Carol and Gerald Tomek Sr. and his younger sister Seven Tomek. He was preceded in death by his paternal Grandparents Bernard and Pearl Tomek Sr., and his maternal grandparents Richard and Marylou Costello. At the request of the family, a small private funeral service is being held. In lieu of flowers, we request that any donations be sent to a trust fund established for his four year old daughter Jada Pearl Tomek, at the Wenatchee, Washington, Wells Fargo Bank Branch.

Gerald Lee Tomek

November 28, 1978 - January 26, 2013