Sylvester John Czerkies

Sylvester John Czerkies, age 91, fondly known as "Zeke" to his family and friends, of Boyne Falls, Michigan, passed away at his home Tuesday, July 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Sylvester was born on June 7, 1934, in Boyne Falls to Stephan and Mary (Zajac) Czerkies. He attended Boyne Falls Public Schools, graduating in 1953. In 1956, he married Josephine Dzwik of Elmira. He worked in many trades from delivering oil to working on oil rigs, and was very proud to have worked for Continental Aviation as a mechanic working on Air Force jet engines.

A skilled carpenter, he worked on many historical projects, including the Big Rock Nuclear Plant, UAW Conference Center, and a few of the Earl Young Mushroom homes in Charlevoix. These experiences led him to start his own construction business in 1971, which lasted several decades. He completed projects for Boyne Resorts, including several buildings and the first high-speed chairlift in the area. He built several commercial and residential buildings, the Trinity Lutheran Church in Gaylord, the rectory at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Boyne City, and the remodel of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Boyne Falls. Along with several other church members, he helped build the Cross that is located in St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery.

As a member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, he served as an usher and a member of the Knights of Columbus. He served on the local Home Builders Association, the Boyne Falls Public Schools Board of Education, and the Boyne Valley Township Volunteer Fire Department. An avid fisherman since childhood, he especially looked forward to trout season, spending many hours fishing on the Boyne River and shared that tradition with his family. In his earlier years, deer camp was another special time spent with friends and family, sharing stories and playing spirited card games. This included the true story of his award-winning 16-point buck in 1981.

He was an accomplished accordion player, having his own band, and played at many events and family gatherings. He enjoyed sharing his Polish heritage, specializing in playing the Polish music he so loved. In 2021, Sylvester and Josephine were Grand Marshals for the Boyne Falls Polish Festival. He enjoyed traveling with his family, having a special love of visiting historical sites in Michigan and throughout the country. He had a delightful sense of humor, and he loved visiting with his family and friends, sharing stories, even in his final days. Leading by example, he instilled in his family the importance of hard work, faith, community, and the value of a giving spirit.

Sylvester is survived by his beloved wife of 69 years, Josephine Czerkies, and dear children Janet Wojtowicz, Larry Czerkies, Elizabeth (the late Michael) Hansen, Cindy (Ed) Grice, Marlene (Kevin) Robinson, and Tim Czerkies (Denise Agren). Loving grandfather of Neal (Elizabeth Kraft) Wojtowicz, Heidi (Jesse) Towne-Grove, Gregory Towne, Katie Grice, Jessica (Patrick) Patoka, John Sevenski (Tiffany Miner), Nicolas (Marie) Sevenski, Darren Czerkies, Logan (Maribelle) Hansen, Whitney Hansen, and cherished great-grandfather of Margaret, Henry, David, Drake, Ryker, LJ, Jack, Maddie, Claudia and Conrad. Mr. Czerkies is further survived by his sister, Bernice (the late John) Kolodziej. He was predeceased by his parents, and siblings, Sophia Czerkies, Victoria (Joe) Pawlowski, Josephine (Stanley) Wozniak, Andrew (Virginia) Czerkies, Joseph (Rita) Czerkies, Pauline (David) Maior, and Ann (Sam) Martini.

Visitation for Mr. Czerkies will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a Knights of Columbus Rosary to be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church at 7:30, 2347 Grove St., Boyne Falls, MI 49713. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 9th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Augustine with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Celebrating the Funeral Liturgy will be Rev. Fr. Dennis Stilwell.

Memorial contributions and donations may be made to the Boyne Valley Township EMS and Fire Department.

Please share your stories and memories of Sylvester at the "Share a Memory" section. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Nelsons Funeral Home, Gaylord, Michigan.