Jan Chernick

Jan Chernick, 71, of Escanaba, passed away peacefully early Saturday morning, May 3, 2025 with her loving family at her side.
She was born on May 29, 1953 in Daggett, MI, daughter to Walter E. and Stella M. (Laurin) Piche. Jan was raised in Powers and graduated from North Central High School in 1971.
On April 28, 1973, the former Janice Kay Piche married the love of her life, Wayne N. Chernick in Spalding. They were blessed with three children and 36 years of marriage before Wayne's passing in 2009.
Jan worked as a Title 1 Assistant with Escanaba Area Public Schools, retiring after 30+ years. Even after her retirement, she continued to volunteer in the schools on a regular basis.
She loved spending time with her grandchildren, attending church (she had a very strong faith), reading, gardening, and spending time with her many friends, especially her childhood best friend, Cher Pirlot.
Among survivors include her children, Kristi Kinzler of Grandville, MI, Nick (Sara) Chernick of Escanaba, and Justin (Alycia) Chernick of Bark River; grandchildren, Hannah, Jake, and Josh Kinzler, Maddie and Max Chernick, and Luke and Stella Chernick; siblings, Donna (Dennis) Gatien, Richard (Mary) Piche, and Dale (Donna) Piche; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents, Walter and Stella Piche and her husband, Wayne; she was preceded in death by son-in-law, Jason Kinzler; brothers, Roger and Randy Piche; infant sister, Janet Piche; father and mother-in-law, John and Irene Chernick; sister-in-law, June Piche; and brother-in-law, Allen Chernick.
Visitation will be on Saturday, May 10th from 9:30 – 11:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Darryl Pepin officiating. At the conclusion of the mass, a meal will be served in the church hall.
A message of condolence may be directed to the family by visiting www.crawfordfuneralhomes.net. The Crawford Funeral Homes are assisting the family.