Donald I Cermak

Donald I. Cermak, 89, of Wadsworth, IL was born into eternal life surrounded by his loving family on March 7, 2016. Don was born July 10, 1926 in Russell, IL He grew up, worked, and lived his life on the Cermak family farm. As a teenager, he operated tractors and used all farm implements in planting, cultivating, and harvesting of corn, soy beans, and other small grains. He breed, raised, and pelted mink. As a kid, he drove a one and a half ton truck and hauled farm produce, grains, and animals to market. At age 18, the skills he learned were great qualification when he was drafted into World War II. Don was a Private First Class, Company A, 2nd Infantry of the US Army and served overseas with the 5th Division in France and Germany. During WWII he was a rifleman who was a member of the weapons platoon. His specific job was a bazooka man, responsible for the care and tactical operation of the bazooka. Don was honorably discharged from the Army after shrapnel injured his eye, leaving him blind in his right eye. Upon returning home from WWII he married his high school sweetheart, June Shea on May 16, 1947 at North Prairie United Methodist Church in Winthrop Harbor, IL. Don spent the rest of his life in love with June. Together they raised their children and did family oriented activities with friends and relatives as they continued running the family mink ranch, and farming activities. Don enjoyed grilling in the backyard with friends and weekend camping trips. Don could build or fix just about anything on the farm. Don loved helping others; he used his tools, equipment, and know how, to help countless friends and family. Don was a humble, kind, soft spoken, gentleman. He was very appreciative of others and didn’t want to impose on anyone. He wanted everyone to get along with each other. He loved, and had a passion for his St. Bernard dogs and trained them to be his work buddy. Due to Don”s patient, calm, personality, he tamed many wild farm cats and found good homes for them with friends and family. Many of those cats are thriving today. He is survived by his children, Carol (Alan) Field of Wadsworth, IL, Richard “Rick” (Amy) Cermak of Racine, WI, and Laura (Steve) Fischer of Trevor, WI; five grandchildren, Marcy Field, Kerry (Dave) Schwartz, Mark, Matt and Meghan Hradisky; three great-grandchildren, Samantha, Jason, and Valerie Schwartz. He was preceded in death by his wife, June; daughter, Donna; his parents, Helen and Irvin Cermak, and a sister, Barbara Austin. A visitation will be held on Monday, March 14, 2016 from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at CONGDON FUNERAL HOME, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL. Another visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at North Prairie United Methodist Church, 5000 9th St., Winthrop Harbor, IL with a service following at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Mt. Rest Cemetery, Wadsworth, IL.