Obituaries

January 3, 1928 to September 19, 2017

FRANCESVILLE - William Franklin "Bill" Cervenka, 89, of Francesville passed away at 9:25 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 19, at St. Elizabeth Hospital East, Lafayette.

He was born Jan. 3, 1928 in North Judson, to the late Frank J. and Antoinette C. Vanecek Cervenka. He graduated from San Pierre High School in 1946. He 
married Isabelle Ida Rohloff on Aug. 19, 1950, in Francesville. She preceded him in death on Sept.17, 2014.

Survivors include: sons Cary William (Rebecca) Cervenka, Zionsville; Dean Alan (Alicia) Cervenka, Bozeman, MT; and Mark Brian (Diane) Cervenka, Francesville; and daughters, Connie Lynn (Jerry) Ehrlich, Lafayette; and Vicki Kay (Todd) Chrzan, West Lafayette. Also grandchildren  Ashley (Clay) Webb, Courtney (Matt) Rausch, Kayley (Chris) Kasten, Riley Cervenka, Calan (Jesse) Barnes, Danika Cervenka, Trevor Chrzan, Alex (Marissa) Chrzan; and great-grandchildren Cayden Webb, Brynley Webb, Braxtyn Webb, Ellamae Kasten, Marshall Kasten and Everett Chrzan. He is also survived by brother Ken (Lillian) Cervenka, and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by brother John (Sophie) Cervenka, sister Lillian (Richard) Roy, and an infant sister.

Mr. Cervenka served in the U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard and was a member of the Francesville American Legion. He was honored to receive a Quilt of Valor in 2015. 
Prior to his service in the navy, he worked as a banker in San Pierre. It was during this time that he met Isabelle. The couple made their home in rural Francesville where they raised five children. He was a lifelong farmer in Pulaski County and was well known for his good sense of humor, his love of caring for animals and "his sweet corn." After retirement, he enjoyed gardening.

Mr. Cervenka was a member of St. James Salem United Church of Christ where he previously served as a member of the church board and men's fellowship group. He was a longtime member and past president of the Francesville Co-Operative Elevator, as well as a former member of the Pulaski County 4-H Swine Committee. He treasured his time spent with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He very much enjoyed attending all of their events. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. 
He will be dearly missed. 

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville. The funeral services will be at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 23, at St. James Salem United Church of Christ, Francesville with Rev. Judith Doll officiating.
Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery, Francesville. The American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial donations may be given to St. James Salem United Church of Christ or Francesville American Legion.