Obituary of Elaine Margaret Cerny

Elaine Margaret Cerny, 96, of Benton Harbor, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 28, 2022, at Lighthouse Assisted Living in Bangor, Michigan; with her grandchildren Lori and Kyle (Kelley) by her side. She was born in Pokagon Township in Cass County on October 17, 1925, to the late Albert and Adeline (Latislaw) Holtz. Elaine graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1942 and went on to pursue her career in accounting. She was a hard worker and succeeded in the business field for many years. Elaine married George Letke, and although the marriage ended in divorce, the two together co-parented their daughter, Donna. After some time, Elaine found her soulmate, Richard Frank Cerny, the two wed on December 4, 1964. Elaine and Richard loved to travel together, especially to the State of Texas and Yellowstone National Park. Elaine had many hobbies, in which she was an avid bowler and played on a local bowling league until she was nearly 90 years old. She enjoyed working on her farm, which was her pride and joy and favorite place to be. She wasn’t afraid of getting her hands dirty. In the spring, Elaine looked forward to picking asparagus and fresh strawberries. She also enjoyed the blossoms and surrounding orchards of fruit trees. Elaine loved to sit and watch her fields be fit and harvested. She had a natural love for agriculture. In her alone time, Elaine enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, and watching western shows and Nascar on TV. Elaine was a simple lady, who enjoyed the small things in life. She was never materialistic and throughout her years, she helped many people in so many ways. She never asked anyone for help, but always thanked those who did help her. Elaine loved those who had a special place in her heart, and always knew where others stood in her life. Family was important to Elaine. She spent a lot of time with her grandchildren Lori and Kyle, during the young years of their lives, which led to a special lifelong bond. Elaine’s great grandchildren held a special place in her heart. She attended their sporting events, took them to the county fair, and visited them when they went camping. When Elaine’s great grandchildren visited, she enjoyed playing cards, and making pudding and knox blocks with them. On a day with good weather, they would sit on the swing and Elaine would tell stories until she had none left to tell. Over the most recent years, Elaine would refer to her grandson Kyle as “her boy” and her two great granddaughters known as “the girls” brought her a lot of joy. Elaine will be missed by her family, and her memory will always be in their hearts. Elaine is preceded in death by her parents; and her loving husband, Richard Frank Cerny in 1993. Elaine is survived by her daughter, Donna (Larry) Gorham of Cassopolis; her sister Joan Nozicka of Michigan; four grandchildren- Lori Gorham of Cassopolis and her significant other Kevin Mason of Elkhart; Kyle (Kelley) Gorham of Bangor, Lindsay (Terry) Gorham-Pflug of Cassopolis, Cale (Tabitha) Gorham of Battle Creek; all her wonderful great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 4, 2022, at 1:00 p.m., with an hour of visitation prior at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel, 61453 M-51, Niles. Elaine will be laid to rest next to her husband Richard Cerny at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105. Elaine was independent and lived alone until her health no longer warranted such. The family is very thankful for the care provided by Tammy Haner and staff at Lighthouse Assisted Living. They made Elaine’s last few years very special. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.