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Thomas Cerneka Obituary
Thomas P. Cerneka, 72, of St. Louis, Mo., born in 1939, died Monday, Aug. 15, 2011, with his family by his side.
Mr. Cerneka retired in 1999, from a long successful career as an actuary, and pursued his golf game by living part-time in Tonto Verde, Ariz. He loved sailing at Innsbrook. He enjoyed international travel, and Cardinals baseball. Tom sang in the church choir in Rio Verde, Ariz. He was affectionately called "Beepa" by his granddaughters.
He was a Knight in the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem. As a community volunteer, he was the former chairman of the board at Near Southside Employment Coalition. He was also chairman of the board at Provident Counseling. He graduated from Cathedral High School in Belleville, Ill., and St. Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas, where he met his wife. They celebrated their 50th anniversary last year.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Mary, nee Benedict, Cerneka; his brother, Jim Cerneka; sister, Mary Ann Davis; and grandson, Charles Burns.
Surviving are his wife, Janet, nee Yaeger, brothers, Pete (Louise) and Denny (Jean); sister, Kathy; children, Lisa M.D. (Tim) Burns, Kent (Jennifer), and Heidi; and granddaughters, Casey and Sarah Burns.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to Maryknoll Lay Missioners http://maryknolllaymissioners.org/ (f/b/o Heidi Cerneka's missionary work), or the charity of your choice.
Funeral: A memorial mass will be held at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, at Ascension Catholic Church, 230 Santa Maria Drive, Chesterfield, Mo.
From 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 18, 2011, a reception will be held in the parish hall to celebrate Tom's life and to visit with family and friends.
His body has been donated to science.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Cerneka
August 22, 2011
Dear Pete and Family
Sorry to hear of your brother, Tom's passing. You and the entire Cerneka family are in our prayers.
Joe and Kathleen Davis
Linwood, KS 66052
Chuck Rheinecker.
August 18, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and Tom. High school and college classmate. Tom was my 1st roomate at St. Mary's.
August 18, 2011
To the Cerneka Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy. Tom and I were in the same fraternity at St. Mary's University.
Tim Richards, Swansea
CAROL CAMPBELL
August 18, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my prayers.
Carol Campbell (St. Louis)
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August 18, 2011
Denny and Family,
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dick and Sue Beelman
Chip & Kathy Gray
August 17, 2011
Denny and family,
We are sorry to hear of Tom's passing.
All of you and Tom will be in our prayers. God bless you and keep you in this time of sorrow.
Dan Wollaeger
August 17, 2011
I am sorry about Tom's passing. I always enjoyed boating by your dock at Innsbrook and having many pleasant conversations with him. He was a great guy.
jack and cindy dietrich
August 16, 2011
dear janet and family, please know you have our deepest sympathy. sorry,but we are unable to attend the service due to we both have to work.our thoughts are with you all during your time of grief and may your memories bring you comfort. sincerly yours,
August 16, 2011
We will join in remembering Tom; a beautiful person, inside and out; who will continue to serve his community. With love and prayers from Bonnie and Chuck Udell
Mary Seematter
August 16, 2011
We are sorry to hear of Tom's death. Losing a husband, Dad. brother, uncle and friend leaves a hold in one's life. I am sorry that our Seematter family will be unable to join you at the memorial mass. Love and prayers from Mary, Ed, Sara, and Colleen.
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