Kenneth J. Cernohous

Kenneth J. Cernohous age 73 of New Richmond, Wisconsin died peacefully surrounded by his loving family, after a sixteen month battle with cancer, which he faced with courage, grace and dignity. He was born on July 13, 1938 in River Falls, Wisconsin to Gordon & Lucille (Weishaar) Cernohous. In his early years, Ken attended the Campus School in River Falls, Wisconsin, graduating from River Falls High School in 1956. He attended the University of Wisconsin River Falls and graduated in 1960, with a major in agriculture, and minors in chemistry and biology. In 1955 he joined the National Guard 32nd Division/Red Arrow Division/ RF Headquarters Battery 1/ 121 artillery. On October 16, 1961 he was called into active duty during the Berlin (Cuban Missile) Crisis and sent to Fort Lewis, Washington for possible deployment. He was married to Audrey Kane on August 23, 1958. He worked for Doboy Feeds in New Richmond, Wisconsin, working in the Quality Control Lab and Chemistry Lab. Ken was then employed as Traffic Manager for Friday Canning Corporation, retiring in 2001. He was a member of the New Richmond City Council from 1976 to 1982 and served as Mayor of the City of New Richmond, from 1982 to 1986. Ken served on many committees in New Richmond, including the Police Commission, Utilities Commission and was recently President of the Board of Directors for the Heritage Center. He enjoyed many hobbies, including fishing and bowling and was inducted into the New Richmond Bowling Association Hall of Fame in 2002. His greatest pleasure was spending time with his grandchildren. Ken was always willing to help others and his friendly nature and kindness will be sadly missed. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gordon and Lucille Cernohous; nephews, Ronald Cernohous and Nathan Ptacek; nieces, Shelly Cernohous and Shari Ptacek. Ken is survived by his loving wife, Audrey; children, Patrick (Jayne) Cernohous and Julie Ann Cernohous; grandsons, Jack & Craig Cernohous; brothers, Charles (Lorraine) Cernohous, Paul (Carol) Cernohous, Michael (Alice) Cernohous; nieces & nephews, Christy Owen, Vicki Barker, Richard Cernohous, Bobbi Jo Gray, Todd Cernohous, Tanya Nygaard and Mitchell Ptacek. Visitation will be 4:00-8:00 PM Thursday Feb. 2, 2012, at the CullenCrea Funeral Home in New Richmond. A prayer service will be held at 7:30 PM. Mass of Christian Burial, presided by Father James Brinkman and Deacon Michael Germain, will be held at 11:00 AM Friday February 3, 2012, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, New Richmond. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the Mass