Kevin loved life and had a practically unmatched enthusiasm for living. Those who knew him knew that he was an avid outdoorsman. He excelled at hunting and fishing, and his tales of the hunt and the catch were amusing and excellent. He was a devoted friend and trusted compatriot, and was among the first, if not the first, to come to the aid of a friend or a stranger. He possessed a practically encyclopedic knowledge of popular songs and the artists who sang them, and no one was ever more delighted at a night of karaoke than Kevin. He didn’t need to take the stage or see the screen, he could sing along from anywhere, the lyrics already a part of his memory. Not surprisingly, Kevin was a ready dancer, as sure in a waltz as in a line dance, and always ready for one more song. Kevin was fun. He was always a welcome guest and a welcoming host. He loved children and they loved him. Hesitant babies were soon laughing and clinging to him as protector and friend. The lonely soon found themselves surrounded by his concern and warmth. Kevin loved life and he loved the people who populated his life. He truly didn’t know a stranger, just a friend he hadn’t met. And no man held a deeper love for southern Illinois, its hills, creeks, lakes and knobs than Kevin, and he was always excited to share that love of place with his friends and family.
Kevin’s greatest treasure and his heart’s home was his family. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren with a fierce, beautiful passion, and he was certain of their love for him in return. He held close the memory of his parents and grandparents. He cherished the memory of his mother and his sister. He was a devoted and loyal brother, nephew, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. He was a family man. He put his treasure in his family and there also was his heart.
Our lives were filled and made happier by Kevin’s presence. These memories of his warmth, embrace, and love remain with us, held in great affection, esteem, and celebration by us and our hearts that are broken and need to be mended. We will always love him.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Brunell, nee Dillow, Cerny; a sister, Nancy Long; and his mother-in-law, Mary Newton.
Surviving are his wife of 34 years, Anne Cerny;
three children, Amy (John) Bauer,
Amanda (Eric) Roberson,
and Kip (Sarah) Cerny;
four grandsons, Max Bauer, Luke Bauer, Lincoln Roberson, Myles Roberson;
a sister, Joann (Bob) Barth;
a brother, Noel (Brenda) Cerny,
his father-in-law, Ward Newton;
a brother-in-law, Jim Long;
and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Family and friends will have the opportunity to share memories of Kevin at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2017, at George Renner & Sons Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.
According to Kevin’s wishes, cremation will follow the services.
Condolences Left For Kevin Cerny
Kevin was a fun loving guy. A hoot to be around and pick up your spirits if you felt down and out. I am so sorry that I didn’t get to know him better than I did. He was a whirlwind and sometimes you just had to hang on and enjoy the ride. I bought a home and when moving in had a major problem with the sliding glass door. Kathy said call Kevin he will know what to do. We did and sure enough he came right over and took care of the problem!!! My sad heart goes out to Ann and of course the family. Life will never be the same without him but memories will last for ever. God love you my friend and may the peace of GOD comfort your family!!! Love Russ & Kathy Klein
Russ Klein, Highland, Illinois, 62249
JoAnn, Bob, Valerie, and Blaine,
Please know that our hearts are just breaking for you all. If there is anything Mark and I can take care of for you, please contact us. We love you all
Linda, Swansea, Il, 62226
I am so sorry for your loss. I knew Kevin in high school.
Kelsey Torrence Larson, Parker, CO, 80138
We are saddened to hear of Kevin’s passing. Our hearts go out to Kip, Sarah and the rest of the family. The hand full of times we had the pleasure to be around Kevin he was exactly as described, he knew no stranger and made you feel welcome and as if you had known him forever. We send our love and prayers for healing.
-The Junge Family
Junge Family , Freeburg , IL, 62243
Heartbroken and stunned.. Rose and I send our love and deepest condolences to Annie and all the family. I’ll hold close Kevin’s wonderful fun and crazy outlook on life, opening his house heart and home to all who called him friend.The boy could drive a golfball! The memories are flowing in from our KY. Lake Golf trips, to seeing how proud he was of the wonderful Dongola property surrounded and sharing with family and friends. Traveling this week and soo sorry I cannot visit and share wonderful memories and grief with all of you… Peace.. Ray
Ray Hogan, Cobden, Illinois, 62920
Anne:
My deepest sympathy to you and your family, I’ll keep all of you in my prayers.
In Sympathy, Debby
Debby Ulrich, Belleville, Il, 62226
His Character will always be larger than life.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Your Boatwright cousins
George Boatwright and Nancy Newman, LOUISVILLE, KY, 40207
Anne and Family
I am so sorry for yourloss, my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Maureen Skrabacz, Bellville, Illinois, 62220
Wonderful tribute to as extraordinary man.
Larry Dahm, San Francisco, California, 94115
Anne, and family there are no words to express how sorry I am for your loss and all of our loss who had the privilege to know him. Kevin was like no other he gave his all and loved you all with all his heart. Every time we talked he was so proud and the gleam in his eyes told all how much he loved those grand babies. I have so many fond memories of the pool party days I just regret we didn’t make time to see each other more and make more memories but God had a different plan. I am blessed and thankful i was friends with Kevin. I will never forget him!!
Susan Brough, Smithton , IL, 62285
Kevin and I were friends many years ago, before I moved out of state. He was always a pleasure to be around. Anne, I am truly sorry for your loss. He was too young. Carole and I extend our most heartfelt sympathies.
Rich Hamilton, Mesa, Arizona, 85209
So sorry to hear this ,you were a good friend growing up,so sorry for family and friends,RIP Kev. Taken to young
Randy huck sr, Millstadt, Ill, 62206
I am so saddened by the loss of Kevin. Please know that so many have you all in their thoughts and prayers.
Pati Loehr, Harrisburg, Illinois, 62946
To the Kevin Cerny Family
I extend my condolences to you all. I knew Kevin a long time ago when I worked at Dandy Inn but had not seen him in years…but this came as a shock. May God hold you all in his hands and help you thru your time of sadness. Kevin’s memories will be a thing of joy in the coming times. God Bless You All.
Judy DeHart, Belleville, Illinois, 62220
So sad to hear this
He was a great guy and coach for our children
May he RIP
Tammy Bunch Roberts
Tammy Roberts , Belleville , Il, 62221
To Anne and Family,
Our hearts break for you. Kevin lived larger than life and enjoyed so many activities. He so loved his family and last time I saw him, he was carrying his little grandson. We are so sorry for your loss, there are no words. Our love to all of you.
John and Linda Fritsche, Swansea , IL, 62226
All of you are in our thoughts and prayers. I remember Kevin when he went to Uncle Phil’s as a kid and an adult Kevin was always fun to be around had everyone laughing. Jeff kept in touch with him the most and is deeply upset by this news. Just know that you all are in our hearts and on our minds. With deepest condolences Chris & Becky (Palmer) Adams, Jeff & Jodi Palmer, Jennifer Palmer, and Jerry Palmer.
Becky Adams, Anna, IL, 62906-3793