Obituary of Bernace J. Cherkala

Bernace “Bernie” Jean Cherkala, 95, passed peacefully in the sunshine on May 16, 2016 at the Gables of Kent Ridge. She was born to Bernard and Elizabeth (Sikkink) Vander Linden in Pella, IA on December 23, 1920. She was elected Tulip Queen in 1939, and would often return for their annual Tulip Festival. After graduating from Central College in Pella, she moved to Chicago, where she met her man in uniform, U.S. Navy Lieutenant Michael Cherkala. They were joined in marriage on Flag Day 1946 in Pella, and moved to Fairview Park where they became lifelong residents. Bernace spent a long career with the Fairview Park School System and was the executive assistant to the superintendent of schools. In recognition of her distinguished service, she was elected to the Fairview Park School System Hall of Fame in 2008. She endured a long journey with Alzheimer’s. She was known to all, including her caregivers, as a sweet, cheerful person; and always a lady. Her family best remembers her, though, as a loving, caring mother and grandmother. She could often be found outdoors reading a book, birdwatching, and enjoying her rose garden. Bernace is survived by her son Brian (Yvonne); grandchildren Brent (Julie), Ryan (Christine), Yvette; great-grandchildren Chloe, Violet, Bryson, Ashton and Roxy, and many nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband Michael, son Bruce, brothers Howard (Flo) Vander Linden and Kenneth (Violet) Vander Linden. The Cherkala family is forever grateful to the residents and staff of Kent Ridge and Harbor Light for providing Bernie with an amazing amount of love, care and most of all, an incredible extended family in the last 10 years of her life. Chaplain Beth Niermann will conduct funeral service Thursday 7 PM at Redmon Funeral Home, where friends may call from 4:30 PM until service time. Private graveside services will be held for the family at Lakewood Park Cemetery in Rocky River. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made to the Bruce Linden Cherkala Memorial Scholarship fund at Fairview High School.