Jared Adam Gmerek

1984 - 2026

HOUTZDALE - Jared Adam Gmerek, 41, of Houtzdale, passed away at home on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, surrounded by family.

He was born Feb. 12, 1984, in Clearfield, son of Gerard and Angela (Frostberg) Gmerek, of Houtzdale.

Jared was a member of the Christ the King Catholic Church and after high school, attended the Angel's Nest in Houtzdale.

Jared drew to himself the best people this world has to offer. Jared, and we his parents, got to experience levels of generosity, love and compassion that were beyond imagination. His life truly brought a glimpse of heaven on earth. He overcame countless challenges and broke down barriers perceived by his afflictions.

In his youth, Jared participated in a therapeutic horseback riding program established by Robbie Ball of Ginter winning many ribbons and trophies. He was also a member of the Tangled Trails 4-H Club. Later in life he was happiest vacationing at the beach with his family enjoying the vastness of the sea and the salt air.

We are forever grateful to Christina Guiher his nighttime nurse for many years, the caregivers, teachers, doctors, nurses and their staff who helped us care for Jared throughout his life. Undeniably, the most remarkable being Heather Bowman and her family. For the last ten years, Heather has been his daytime nurse and a fierce advocate for Jared's health and wellbeing, but more so, Heather has brought out Jared's personality, humor, and communication skills more than anyone. She went beyond nursing and became more of a sister to him. She gave us a Jared we may have never known but for her. In fact, Jared passed in her comfort, holding her hand.

Jared managed to live life to the fullest possible, leaving an indelible mark of love, joy, and happiness on everyone he met.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by two aunts, Lisa Williams, and her companion, Gerald Barnett, and Felicia Kitko; six cousins, Jessica (Charles) Conklin, Luke (Katelyn) Emala, Josh (Brianna) Williams, Seth Kitko, Olivia Kitko, and Hailey Smith. He is also survived by his "adopted" sister, Heather (John) Bowman, and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a cousin, Dustin Emala.

Friends will be received 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m Tuesday, and 9:30-10-30 a.m. Wednesday, at Kruise-Spewock Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc., Ramey.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, at Christ the King Church, Houtzdale. Rev. Johnathan Schmolt will celebrate.

Interment will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Madera.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Epilepsy Foundation at www.epilepsy.com.

Condolences may be made at kruise-spewock.com.