David “Dave” Cerny, 77, of Granite City, Illinois, passed away on September 29th, 2023.
He was born on December 9th, 1945 to Ralph & Frances Cerny in Centralia, IL.
Dave married Kathleen “Kathy” Welch (nee Stack) on Nov. 3, 1984. They lived together in Granite City, where they caredfor Kathy’s children, Kara Welch and James “Jimmy” Welch, as well as niece Mia Stack-Carson.
Dave graduated from Assumption High in East St. Louis in 1963. He attended Washington University, was passionate about many things. Aside from family and friends, his passions and interests included sports, especially St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and all Illini sports – if the Illini were playing, Dave was watching, whether it was football, basketball, golf, or volleyball. He was always apprised of how the Illini were doing and was as enthusiastic about the school’s teams as anyone around. Dave also loved participating in sports. He was an avid golfer and bowler and was good enough ateach to match his competitive spirit. Dave loved a good meal and was a master at making the perfect prime rib. Heenjoyed good wine and could captivate his company with his knowledge of sports. While enjoying a cigar and an Irish whiskey, he would mix in a perfectly-told joke to make everyone laugh. Dave did his best to keep an even demeanor, evenduring his stress tests. He was always ready and willing to help, especially when any of his family needed something. Dave was also extremely encouraging, never missing the right moment to take an opportunity to remind people how goodthey were, to encourage them, and how to believe in themselves. Most importantly, he loved life, his family, and even some of his in-laws.
He was proceed in death by his parents, Ralph and Frances Cerny and step-son James Welch.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen “Kathy” Cerny; daughters, Cara Marie (Stephen) Gresh and Allison Leigh (Mike) Jasutis; grandchildren Cody Daech, Stephie Gresh, Abbie Gresh, Logan Jasutis, and Caden Jasutis; step-daughter Kara Marie Welch, and niece Mia Stack-Carson; brother Bob Cerny, and sisters Janet Couette and Karen Lager.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Saint Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Visitation will be November 3, 2023, 9:30am-11am at Saint Jerome Church in Troy, Illinois, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11am.
Arrangements made by Thomas Saksa Funeral Home.
