James D. Chernak

HURLEY, Wis. - James D. Chernak, 76, of Bessemer, Mich., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, in Hurley.

He was born Dec. 2, 1939, in Ironwood, the son of the late Paul and Rose (Callovi) Chernak.

On May 12, 1990, he was united in marriage to Gisela Liedtke in Illinois. She preceded him in death on Dec. 31, 2010.

Jim graduated from A.D. Johnston High School in Bessemer with the class of 1957. After graduation he joined the U.S. Navy. After 20 years of service, he was employed as a printing press operator up until his retirement.

Survivors include his two sons, Mark (Jennifer) Chernak of Cary, Ill., and Matthew Chernak of Gilbert, Ariz .; three daughters, Susan Bass of Mesa, Ariz., Nora of Island Lake, Ill., and Sheila (Fred) Heuer of Johnsburg, Ill .; his stepchildren, Sonja (Wade) Warczek of Algonquin, Ill., and Gene (Lisa) Saari of Joliet, Ill .; his brothers, Richard (Brenda) Chernak of Milton, Fla., Paul (Barbara) Chernak of Lincoln Park, Mich., and Ernie "Nipper" Chernak of Bessemer; his sisters, Sherry (Glenn) Forslund of Bessemer, Roseann (Ted) Finco of Wakefield, Mich., and Patty (Dave Thomasini) Plesh of Ramsay, Mich .; sisters-in-law, Inga (Niles) Sanders and Karin (James) Cebolski of Bessemer; his grandchildren, Kelly Bass and Charlie Heuer; several stepgrandchildren and great-grandchildren; along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Steve Plesh; and nephew, Dale Williams.

Per Jim's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are by the Range Funeral Service and Crematory, Frick-Zielinski Funeral Home of Bessemer.

To view this obituary online or express online condolences please visit us at rangefuneralservices.com.