Ashok Suwartik Gaikwad

Ashok was born June 14, 1948 in Khamgaon, India. Much of his childhood was in Chikhli where his father was pastor for the Church of the Nazarene. He obtained his B.A. in political science at Buldhana College, followed by courses at South India Biblical Seminary in Bangarapeth. He immigrated to the United States in 1975 (becoming a U.S. citizen in 2007) for graduate studies in religious education at Bethany Nazarene College, Oklahoma City. In 1977, he moved to Kansas City, Missouri for further graduate studies at Nazarene Theological Seminary. In 1978, he married Linda Gaikwad, his wife of twenty years and life-long dear friend. His twin boys, Jonathan and Christopher, were born in 1982.

Being the first in his family to immigrate to America, he was the foundation that allowed his family (Vidu Gaikwad, Vinay Gaikwad, and Manish Shirlay) to attend Nazarene Theological Seminary and become Pastors. Ashok had a natural talent and high interest in mechanics and electronics. With the advent of personal computers in the 1980s, he developed a career in information technology, retiring in 2019 from Providence Hospital as network administrator.

Family, children and grandchildren, were the center and light of his life. Ashok left a legacy of Love, richly giving of himself to his family and friends. He was always ready with wit and laughter, generosity, hugs, and a helping hand. He embraced his role as Ajoba (grandfather), always ready to spend time with Natalie and Brayden.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Suwartik Tukaram Gaikwad and Anandi Suwartik Gaikwad.

Ashok is survived by his sons, Jonathan Ashok Gaikwad (Sarah) and Christopher Ashok Gaikwad; and his grandchildren, Natalie Mae Gaikwad and Brayden Ashok Gaikwad, all of Kansas City, Missouri. He is also survived by his siblings, Sunetra Shirlay (Nagpur, India), Vidu Gaikwad (Washim, India), Sulabha Sawant (Belgaum, India), Surekha Awhad (Pune, India), and Vinay Gaikwad (Aurangabad, India); and ten nieces and nephews, living in India, the U.S., and Australia.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at North Kansas City Hospital for their care of Ashok during the weeks of isolation from the family.

A visitation for Ashok will be held Thursday, February 17, 2022 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Newcomer's White Chapel Funeral Home, 6600 NE Antioch Rd, Gladstone, MO 64119. Masks are required.