CHERNEK, Ludwig (Louie)

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Sunday, March 9, 2003 Ludwig "Louie" Chernek, 80, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 6, 2003. He was born on May 11, 1922 in Newark, New Jersey and raised in Pennsylvania. He joined the army at age 18 and was a Sergeant in the 9th Armored Division 16th field Artillery Battalion. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge under General George Patton. He worked in Phoenix as a heavy equipment operator with the Hydro-Conduit Company where he never missed a day of work in 28 years. He loved to hike, camp, fish, garden, and ride his bicycle. He loved God, his family, his home, and his country. He was known for his big smile and wonderful laugh. He loved life and was always cheerful and happy. He never met a stranger and treated everyone as a friend. He was loved by all who knew him. He is predeceased by his mother Ludmilla, father Matus Chernek, and stepfather Emil Sosovicka. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Maryann Chernek, of Phoenix, his children, Michael Chernek (Maryann) of Scottsdale, daughter Tonya Dillon (Richard) of Scottsdale, and his youngest son Stephen Chernek of Phoenix. He will be missed by 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He is also survived by 6 sisters, 4 brothers, many nieces and nephews, many cousins, and his Uncle Josef of Slovakia. He will be deeply missed by his loving family and all whose lives he touched. Thank you to all the friends and family who have been here for us during this sad time, and a special thanks to the staff of Hospice of the Valley - you are so kind. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 PM on Tuesday, March 11, at A.L. Moore Grimshaw Mortuary, 710 W. Bethany Home Rd. Funeral is 10:00 AM, Wednesday, March 12, North Phoenix Baptist Church, 5757 N. Central Avenue. Graveside service is 10:30 AM, Thursday, March 13th, National Memorial Cemetery of AZ, 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd., Phoenix. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85014. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.