Lee Cernich

Lee Cernich, 86, of Springfield, died at 10:28 am, Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Memorial Medical Center. He was born November 14, 1925 in Canton, IL to Joseph and Sylvia Sepich Cernich. He married Rose Mary Etta Mahoney, September 11, 1954 at St. Agnes Church in Springfield. His wife, parents and one sister (Isabelle) preceded him in death.
Survivors include two sons, Joseph of Springfield; John (Jennifer) of Riverton; two grand-daughters, Lydia and Johanna; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was a member of St. Agnes Church, Holy Name Society, The Croatian Fraternal Union of America and the VFW Post #5764. Lee was a Veteran of the US Navy serving during WWII. He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus Council #4175 and past member of the Sacred Heart Credit Union Board of Directors.
Lee began his career as a jeweler after the war. He worked as Deputy Director for Springfield/Sangamon County Civil Defense. He worked for Illinois Emergency Management Agency as a Disaster Coordinator with the State and Federal Government.
Visitation: 9:00 am -11:00 am, Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at St. Agnes Church.
Funeral Mass: 11:00 am, Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at St. Agnes Church with Rev. Robert Jallas officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Catholic Charities, Holy Family Food Pantry, or St. Martin de Porres Food Pantry.