William Franklin “Bill” Cervenka
William Franklin “Bill” Cervenka, 89, of Francesville, went home to be with the Lord at 9:25 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, at St. Elizabeth Hospital East in Lafayette.
He was born Jan. 3, 1928, in North Judson, to the late Frank J. and Antoinette C. (Vanecek) Cervenka. Bill 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. Bill proudly 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, Bill worked as a banker in San Pierre. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Isabelle. Bill and Isabelle 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.
Bill 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. Bill very much enjoyed attending all of their events. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed.
Survivors include his sons: Cary William [Rebecca] Cervenka of Zionsville, Dean Alan [Alicia] Cervenka of Bozeman, Montana, and Mark Brian [Diane] Cervenka of Francesville; daughters: Connie Lynn [Jerry] Ehrlich of Lafayette and Vicki Kay [Todd] Chrzan of West Lafayette; granddaughters: Ashley [Clay] Webb, Courtney [Matt] Rausch, Kayley [Chris] Kasten, Riley Cervenka, Calan [Jesse] Barnes and Danika Cervenka; grandsons: Trevor Chrzan and Alex [Marissa] Chrzan; great-grandsons: Cayden Webb, Braxtyn Webb, Marshall Kasten, and Everett Chrzan; great-granddaughters: Brynley Webb and Ellamae Kasten; brother Ken [Lillian] Cervenka; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Frank J. and Antoinette C. (Vanecek) Cervenka; wife Isabelle Ida Cervenka; brother John [Sophie] Cervenka; sister Lillian [Richard] Roy; and one infant sister.
Visitation was from 4-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 22, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel, Francesville. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at St. James Salem United Church of Christ, Francesville. Rev. Judith Doll officiated. Burial took place in Roseland Cemetery, Francesville. The American Legion conducted military graveside services.
Memorial contributions may be given to St. James Salem United Church of Christ or Francesville American Legion.
Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.
(Pulaski County Journal — Sept. 27, 2017)