Kevin P. Cerny

1958 - 2017

Kevin Cerny

Kevin P. Cerny, 59, of Belleville, Ill., born March 7, 1958, in East St. Louis, Ill., died unexpectedly Saturday, April 29, 2017.

Kevin loved life and had a practically unmatched enthusiasm for living. Those who knew him knew that he was an avid outdoorsman. He excelled at hunting and fishing, and his tales of the hunt and the catch were amusing and excellent. He was a devoted friend and trusted compatriot, and was among the first, if not the first, to come to the aid of a friend or a stranger. He possessed a practically encyclopedic knowledge of popular songs and the artists who sang them, and no one was ever more delighted at a night of karaoke than Kevin. He didn't need to take the stage or see the screen, he could sing along from anywhere, the lyrics already a part of his memory. Not surprisingly, Kevin was a ready dancer, as sure in a waltz as in a line dance, and always ready for one more song. Kevin was fun. He was always a welcome guest and a welcoming host. He loved children and they loved him. Hesitant babies were soon laughing and clinging to him as protector and friend. The lonely soon found themselves surrounded by his concern and warmth. Kevin loved life and he loved the people who populated his life. He truly didn't know a stranger, just a friend he hadn't met. And no man held a deeper love for southern Illinois, its hills, creeks, lakes and knobs than Kevin, and he was always excited to share that love of place with his friends and family.

Kevin's greatest treasure and his heart's home was his family. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren with a fierce, beautiful passion, and he was certain of their love for him in return. He held close the memory of his parents and grandparents. He cherished the memory of his mother and his sister. He was a devoted and loyal brother, nephew, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. He was a family man. He put his treasure in his family and there also was his heart.

Our lives were filled and made happier by Kevin's presence. These memories of his warmth, embrace, and love remain with us, held in great affection, esteem, and celebration by us and our hearts that are broken and need to be mended. We will always love him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Brunell, nee Dillow, Cerny; a sister, Nancy Long; and his mother-in-law, Mary Newton.

Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Anne Cerny; three children, Amy (John) Bauer, Amanda (Eric) Roberson, and Kip (Sarah) Cerny; four grandsons, Max Bauer, Luke Bauer, Lincoln Roberson, Myles Roberson; a sister, Joann (Bob) Barth; a brother, Noel (Brenda) Cerny, his father-in-law, Ward Newton; a brother-in-law, Jim Long; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.

Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill.

Funeral: Family and friends will have the opportunity to share memories of Kevin at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, Ill.

According to Kevin's wishes, cremation will follow the services.

GEORGE RENNER & SONS FUNERAL HOME, Belleville, Ill.