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Loretta Czerniak Obituary
Loretta Jean Czerniak, of Sylvania, OH, went to be with the Lord on Sunday November 30, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 19, 1934, in Wewoka, OK, and later made Toledo, OH her home.
Loretta graduated from Toledo Central Catholic High School in 1953 and soon after married the love of her life, Donald "Red" Czerniak. Their marriage of 52 years was filled with devotion, family, and countless cherished memories.
A hardworking and determined woman, Loretta became the proud owner of the Loretta-Joyce Shoppes and later enjoyed a successful career as a realtor for many years. Outside of work, she was known for her deep love of sports. Loretta never missed a Central Catholic game-whether cheering for her children, Don, Mark, Debbie, and Sandy, or later for ten of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her presence was unmistakable-if you heard the cowbell, you knew Loretta was there.
She was also a passionate fan of THE Ohio State Buckeyes, even if she occasionally had to distract herself cooking or doing laundry during tense plays. One of her favorite lifelong memories was witnessing the Buckeyes win the 2004 National Championship in person alongside Red.
When not cheering on her teams, Loretta loved a full house of chaos at the family cottage on Devil's Lake. From her children's early years to adulthood, "the lake" became a beloved second home-a place where decades of laughter, traditions, and treasured memories were created and continue to be shared by generations.
Loretta is survived by her children, Donald (Julie) Czerniak, Mark Czerniak, Debbie (Kenny) Balogh, and Sandy (Mike) Dandino; her brother, Chris Chinni; and her grandchildren, Kelsey (Keith) Gaskins, Brett Balogh, Lindsay (Adam) Fish, Chad Czerniak, Bradley (Courtney) Czerniak, Kayla (Shon) Tramontana, Jacob (Lindsey) Czerniak, Karlee (Danny) Yodzis, Jordan Czerniak, and Joe Dandino. She is also survived by her 13 great-grandchildren, who brought her immense joy.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald "Red" Czerniak; her parents, Mursell "Tiny" Chinni and Raymond Chinni; and her infant daughter, Cynthia Marie Czerniak.
Visitation will be held on Thursday December 4, 2025 in the Thos. I. Wisniewski Funeral Home 2426 North Reynolds Rd. Toledo, OH. from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Friday December 5, 2025 at Historic Church of St. Patrick 130 Avondale Ave. Toledo, OH. 43604. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park, Sylvania, OH.
The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Kingston Care Center of Sylvania for their years of compassion and care, as well as to Ohio Living Hospice for their support.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Lymphoma Society in Loretta's honor.
"May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand."
www.wisniewskifuneral.net
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Loretta Czerniak
Sponsored by Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home, Inc..
Julia Thomas
December 6, 2025
She was a Great cow bell ringer at the CCHS football games !
EDWARD M COLEMAN
December 6, 2025
Dear family ......please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your loved one.
I never met Loretta face to face but we shared countless phone hours concerning Real Estate. I was born here but spent most of my adult life in California and was trying to get back home. I let Loretta know at the outset I didn't have much money but she worked with me with diligence and competence over many years to help me reach my dream. I was a Real Estate agent in California for 40 years and I know how difficult it is to work with a client who has little or no money but she took on my dream as her own and helped me keep it alive for many years. There were times when I would ask her , " Loretta do you think we'll ever get there?" And her reply was always, " Yes we will."
About five years ago when I renewed the search with her I noticed we weren't connecting as we once did but we kept going...then a daughter called one day and asked who I was . I knew before she told me her ma couldn't contract any more.
The similarities in our lives is an indicator to me that we'll likely wind up in the same place...at which time I can report to her we finally got it done and thank her for helping me keep the dream alive.
May God be with you in your time of bereavement.
Karen Drzewiecki
December 6, 2025
I´m very sorry for the loss of your mother. Deb and family , you will be in my thoughts and prayers!!
Mary Beth Straub
December 5, 2025
I have alot of great memories of your family. So full of personality. Your mom was a great lady. I'm thinking of you all at this sad time.
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Debbie Dryer-McClure
December 4, 2025
Sandy, I am so sorry to hear about your mom. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs
Kathy (Peters) Sarver
December 4, 2025
I remember Loretta while my mom was at Kingston as well. Loretta was always very sweet while battling such an awful disease! My thoughts are with her family as you adjust now to the loss of her physical presence.
Krista Karcher McCrory
December 3, 2025
Sandy I´m so very sorry to see this. I remember meeting your Mama, she had such a sparkle in her eyes and the kindest smile. I think you got that from her! Sending hugs and prayers of comfort to you and your family. xo
Lori Heintschel
December 3, 2025
Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Czerniak and Dandino Families.
Linda Johnson
December 2, 2025
I knew Loretta through our mutual time with Welles Bowen. She was always friendly, diligent, and ready to laugh. She touched a lot of lives. Prayers for her family.
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Thomas I. Wisniewski Funeral Home, Inc.2426 N. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, OH 43615
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