John C. Cernech

John is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Elizabeth (Betty), of 56 years; and his children, whom he adored; his son, Michael (Rosemary), of Parkland, Florida; and his daughter, Cindy Cernech-Hamilton, of Elmwood Park, Illinois. He is proceeded in death by his father, Dr. Clarence Cernech of Independence, Missouri; and his mother, Dorothy Winegardner Cernech of Omaha, Nebraska.

John was born on December 19, 1944, in Kansas City, Missouri, to parents Dr. Clarence Cernech and Dorothy Winegardner Cernech.

He graduated from St. Louis University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, master’s in student Personnel Services and Ph. D in Higher Education Administration. In 1971, he moved to Quincy University and accepted a position as Dean of Students from 1971-1983, and moved to Omaha, Nebraska where he served 31 years as Vice President and Vice Provost for Student Life.

At Creighton University John devoted his life to students and was respected and beloved by students and peers alike. John recognized and became a catalyst for Student Life embracing every aspect of a student’s experience inside and outside of the classroom. He fostered student development in the best of Ignatian tradition leading students to have care and concern for others and a strong moral foundation.

John loved his Creighton Blue Jays in all sports, especially, when he had responsibility for Creighton Athletics.

He was instrumental in many campus building projects but genuinely loved the Scutt Student Center, updated Kiewit Fitness Center, McGloin Residence Hall, Davis Square, Ryan Athletic Center-DJ Sokol Arena, Harper Center, and cutting-edge new construction across the campus. He always sought for the division to work in partnership with others on the campus to foster student development.

He was active in Rotary as President, Special Olympics Board of Directors, Marian High School Board of Directors, National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Jesuit Association of Student Personnel Administrators, receiving the Reverand Victor Yanitelli, S.J. Award, Quincy University Service Award, Phi Delta Kappa, Alfa Sigma Nu National Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa, National Leadership Honor Society.

His faith and family were always the center of his life. Betty was his soulmate and best friend. Their unconditional love and teamwork were a true testament to how they lived their lives and raised their children. Michael and Cindy were John’s world. He was the most supportive father who made sure they knew how much he loved them and that he would always be there for them no matter what. His grandchildren, Jonathan Hamilton (Lindsey), Michael Hamilton, Jenson Cernech and Sabrina Cernech were the apples of his eyes who knew how much their papa loved them. He took delight in spending time with his grandchildren boating, playing with trains, shooting off fireworks, attending their sporting events, taking them to Creighton Bluejay athletic events, spending vacations together, playing in the pool, sitting on the beach and playing in the ocean.

Jonathan and Michael loved Creighton basketball and Papa John made sure they attended summer on campus Blue Jay camps (ate lots of soft serve ice cream in the dining hall), season basketball games (with DipnDots), Big East Tournaments in NYC, and CU player meet and greet. In retirement in Florida, he has had the luxury of being with Jenson and Sabrina and seeing them grow up and flourish for the past 10 years. Both are avid soccer goalies and great high school and middle school students. Papa John enjoyed Jenson’s daily visits and his help with his work projects in the yard and around the house.

A funeral Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for John on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 1:00 pm at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, Coral Springs, Florida with a reception to follow at their home, 6678 NW 103rd Lane, Parkland, Florida 33076.

Father Edward M. Kelly, Pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate John’s life.

A visitation for John will be held Wednesday, December 6, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 1655 N University Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33071. A funeral mass will occur Thursday, December 7, 2023, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 1401 Coral Ridge Dr., Coral Springs, FL 33071.

Funeral Mass will be livestreamed. Go to website, stelizabethannseton.org scroll down to eCatholic livestream, click on CERNECH FUNERAL. The livestream should go on around 12:50 pm.

Contributions in John's memory may be made to The Creighton Fund | Alumni and Friends, https://alumni.creighton.edu/giving-opportunities/ways-give/creighton-fund; and Visiting Nurse Association, https://www.vnatoday.org/get-involved/donate/.