Obituary of Michael Cherney

Michael Cherney was born in Jessup, Pennsylvania on June 28, 1928. He was the second oldest child born from the union of the late Michael and Bertha (Chopko) Cherney. As a boy, the family moved to Monroe where Michael graduated from Monroe High School. He enlisted in the United States Army serving his country honorably. He married the love of his life the former Delores Diroff and from this union would come the birth of three children. Mike was an avid hunter and loved fishing. He cherished time spent at his up north retreat near Higgins Lake. He enjoyed Salmon fishing on Lake Michigan and was an accomplished bow marksman, being a two-time State of Michigan Champion in the Bare Bow category. He was a member of the Monroe Rod and Gun Club and of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Michael was employed by the General Motors Company for thirty-one years. He worked at the Toledo Chevrolet/Hydromatic Plant retiring as a supervisor in 1987. Michael, age 85 of Monroe passed peacefully on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at Mercy Memorial Hospital under the care of Mercy Memorial Hospice. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by his beloved wife Dolores in February of 2005. To cherish his memory he leaves three children: Debbie (Steven) Iverson of Ludington, Linda (Paul) Okean of Palm Beach, Florida and Mark (Cherie) Cherney of Monroe; sisters: Mary Steffes, Ann Zemeski, and Helen Parker; brother: John (Gerri ) Cherney; and six grandchildren: Kristen Iverson, Blane Okean, Katie Iverson, Brooke Cherney, Zacary Cherney, and Alexandra Okean. Friends may gather from 4:00-8:00pm, Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe (formerly Bennett Funeral Services) 14567 South Dixie Highway (734) 241-7070. Members of the Monroe Township Fire Department will perform a Ceremonial Walk-Through at 6:45pm followed by military honors under the auspices of Monroe VFW Post 1138 at 7:00pm. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 10:00am, Wednesday, January 15, 2014 also at Merkle's with Pastor Roy Southerland officiating. Procession will follow to St. Joseph Cemetery for Entombment. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warriors Project. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort, send a floral arrangement, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page.