William Gerecke

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William (Bill) B. Gerecke, M.D., left this life on Thursday, Nov. 29th. His 85 years were full of adventures, diligence, perseverance, fairness, and a willingness to work toward his dreams.

At 17, in 1939, Bill joined the Navy and grew up in San Diego, the South Pacific, on Guadacanal, and wherever his (aerial) orders sent him. In 1946, he returned to Corpus Christi, his home, and then to Trinity University and George Washington University to complete Master's studies in Biology, and welcome two daughters to his family, Billie and Caroline.

Returning to Corpus Christi, Bill opened two medical laboratories, yet still dreamed of becoming a physician. "It's too late to do that" didn't deter him from pursuing that dream, although it meant more difficulties and diligence. Moving to Monterrey, Mexico, with his family and daughters, he graduated from Universidad de Nuevo Leon de Medicina in 1960, learning Spanish from friends and memorizing pages of Anatomy in Spanish.

Deciding on an specialty in Anesthesia, he completed his residency at Edward G. Meyer Memorial Hospital in Buffalo, New York in 1961. He returned to Houston, Tx, always saying, "I don't have to shovel rain". Bill completed his Residency at Baylor University College of Medicine in 1965 at Jefferson Memorial Hospital, and began his practice at Methodist Hospital with Dr. Michael DeBakey Cardic surgery; with it's then new bypass heart surgery.

Dr. Bobby Crosswait and Dr. Robert Angel found him there and persuaded him to come to Waco to begin cardic surgery at the newly equipped Providence Surgical Unit in Waco in 1972. Waco offered a better environment for his new son, Marc, born in 1971.

Bill was born in Waco, but left early for South Texas. So, like coming home, he grew to love the physicians and medical practice at first Providence Hospital, then Hillcrest Hospital. His hobby of photography prompted him to begin taking pictures of open heart surgery and putting the photo in the patients' files.

For those who have photos of their 'hearts', you have a momento from Dr. Gerecke. Bill always said, "Anybody can put you to sleep. An Anesthesiologist keeps you alive and wakes you up!"

William Gerecke was Chief of Staff at Providence Hospital, 1978. He was active in Medical and Anesthesia organizations. After several 'retirements' and returns to Anesthesia practice, Parkinson required forced his final retirement in 1995 from Hillcrest Hospital Day Surgery duties. Bill loved his medical practice, hunting, fishing, traveling, camping, and his many hobbies. Parkinson made many of these impossible, but we continued traveling as much as possible. Bill's family and friends will miss him, and all the stories and adventures they shared or enjoyed with him.

Bill Gerecke is survived by his wife, Mary; son Marc; daughters Billie Taylor and Caroline Sinclair. Grandchildren: Amy Sinclair, Chris Taylor, Rudd Taylor, and Lake Taylor; son-in-law, Tim Taylor; sisters-in-law, Dot Gerecke, Margaret Finch. His many nieces and nephews brought joy and warmth to "Uncle Bill". Also remembered is the staff at Lakeshore Healthcare, and Lucy Ross, Caregiver.

The family requests memorials to : HOTPACS -(PARKINSON GROUP), %Carol Smith, 1900 Hwy 6 B218, Waco, Tx. 76712

Pallbearers will be family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to HOTPACS (Parkinson Support Group), % Carol Smith, 1900 Highway 6 B218, Waco, TX 76712.