Ernest F. Cerkey, 90, of Overland Park, died Monday, December 3, 2018 from complications of Alzheimer’s. “Ernie,” as he was called by his relatives and friends, was born in Zookspur, Iowa, one of 10 children of Ernest and Catherine, who were Croatian immigrants. He was predeceased by his parents: 4 sisters, Victoria, Adela, Valeria and Emma; two brothers, Joe and Albert and a son-in-law, Commissioner Mark Costello.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary; a son, Dr. John Esch Cerkey, and his wife Reyna; a daughter, Cathy Cerkey Costello; 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; 1 sister, Mimi; 2 brothers, Carl and John, and many nieces and nephews.
Ernie’s mother died when he was 10 and his father died when he was 16. After completing high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a military policeman and was stationed in Osaka, Japan. After his discharge he attended Rockhurst College on the GI Bill. During that time he met Mary who was attending the College of St. Teresa (now Avila University). It was love at first sight. A love that endured and led to a marriage of 67 years. Ernie married the former Mary Frances Esch of Pittsburg, KS. in 1951 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Pittsburg.
Ernie was employed by U.S. Safety Service Co. in K.C., MO where he was Customer Service Manager for 23 years. In 1984 he started a second career with the U. S. Postal Service, from which he retired when he was 79.
Ernie was an asst. coach for little league football and a Boy Scout board member. He was past president of the Johnson Hills Home Assn. and later chairman of the board. Ernie was a member of the National Postal Mail Handler Union, local 297, and a member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employee Asso. He was a charter member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Overland Park. He was a member of the Sunshine Club, the Men’s Cursillo and worked on many campaigns. He was also active in liturgical ministry and served as an usher for 39 years until his illness. Ernie was a man of sterling character and great faith. He loved his wife and family dearly and we shall miss him deeply.
The family wishes to thank the dedicated and compassionate Catholic Community Hospice. We also wish to thank Lucille Tutera and the Atriums staff, especially Judi Buchta. We are grateful to the 2nd floor nursing staff for their exceptional kindness and loving care. These were all our angels. But Susan Worley, RN, BSN, Director of Nursing at the Atriums was our Archangel! Thank you, Susan.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to Catholic Community Hospice, Holy Cross Church, the Alzheimer Assn. or masses. Mass of Christian Burial will be at Holy Cross Church, 8311 West 93rd St., Overland Park at 11:00 o’clock on Monday, December 10, 2018. Visitation will be for one hour preceding the services at the church. Interment, with military honors, will take place immediately after the services at Resurrection Cemetery. (Condolences may be expressed at: www.porterfuneralhome.com Arrangements: Porter Funeral Homes & Crematory, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS (913) 438-6444)