Marvin L. Cherney

Marvin “Marv” Leo Cherney, born on December 30, 1937, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026 surrounded by the love of his family. Marv lived a life defined by devotion; to his family, his faith, his work, and his community.

Marv was born in Milladore, Wisconsin, to Lambert and Marie Cherney. He graduated from PJ Jacobs High School in 1956 and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. On July 22, 1961, he married the love of his life, Judy Cherney (Panko). Together they shared more than six decades of marriage, building a life rooted in love, faith, commitment, and partnership.

Marv and Judy moved to Franklin, Wisconsin, where they built their forever home in 1963 and raised their three children: Chris (Jodi) Cherney, Denise (Eric) Woodruff, and Jody (Bruce) Yaeger.

Marv dedicated his professional life to hard work and lifelong learning, spending nearly 30 years of his career at Johnson Controls. Entirely self-taught, he was a natural problem solver with an unending curiosity about how things worked. His determination and perseverance led to countless successful fix-it solutions and home projects over the years. His hands were rarely idle, and his talents were generously shared with all he knew.

A man of deep faith, Marv was a devoted member of St. James Parish in Franklin and gave generously of his time in service to his church and community.

Marv had a lifelong love of all sports and friendly competition. While wintering in Scottsdale, Arizona, he discovered pickleball, which quickly became part of his daily routine. It was there that Marv and Judy formed some of their most cherished lifelong friendships.

Above all, Marv was a devoted family man. He loved spending time with his family, camping, traveling, and supporting his children and grandchildren in everything they pursued. Marv was a proud grandfather to Breann, Brady (Katie), Bryan (Lauren), Brandon, Colin, Zach  and bonus grandchildren Ben, Sam, Zach(Carmyn); Kenzy, Nikolas (Nicole) and Casey. He was a loving great-grandfather (Double G) to Archer, Navy, Buckley, Aspen, Henry, Liam, Jordyn; and bonus great-grandchildren Presley and Charli, all of whom were a constant source of pride and joy.

Marv was preceded in death by his parents; his siblings Francis Cherney, Mary Ann (Leo) Mayer, Tom Cherney, Jim Cherney, David Cherney, and Terry Cherney, his parents-in-law, Edward and Margaret Panko; his brothers-in-law, Richard Panko and John Dekarske; as well as other relatives and friends.

He is survived by his beloved wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his siblings: Richard (Karen) Cherney, Ellen (Sy) Schroeder, Bill (Karen) Cherney, Pat Dekarske, Jerry (Debbie) Cherney, Harry (Heather) Cherney, and Peggy (Mike) Kosloski; his in-laws Betty Ericson, Rose McMahon, Dale (Linda) Panko, and Bonnie (Darrell) Berry; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Marv’s steady presence, generous heart, and quiet strength will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.