Elaine Margaret HOLTZ

17 OCT 1925 - 28 JAN 2022

• BIRTH: 17 OCT 1925, Pokagon Twp., Cass County, MI
• DEATH: 28 JAN 2022, Lighthouse Assisted Living, Bangor, Michigan

• MARRIAGE: 3 DEC 1964, Cass County, Michigan

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[N31232] Elaine Margaret Cerny, 96, of Benton Harbor, passed away on Friday, January 28, 2022, at Lighthouse Assisted Living in Bangor, Michigan. She was born in Pokagon Township in Cass County on October 17, 1925 to the late Albert and Adaline (Catisla) Holtz. Elaine graduated from Dowagiac High School in 1942, and went on to pursue her career in accounting. She was a very hard worker and succeeded in Business for many years. Elaine had many hobbies. She was an avid bowler, and played on a local bowling league until she was nearly 90 years old. She loved farming. ‘The Farm’ was her favorite place to be. She often referred to it as her ‘pride and joy.’ She wasn’t afraid of getting her hands dirty. In the spring, Elaine looked forward to picking asparagus, the blossoms of the apples, peaches, plums, and tomatoes. Her natural love for agriculture probably had something to do with that. Elaine made sure her yard was well taken care of, even the grass had to be cut just right. She just loved to sit and watch the fields be plowed and picked for each season. In her alone time, Elaine enjoyed doing cross-word puzzles. She would often turn on the TV and watch western shows on Bonanza or Daytona 500. Later on in life, Elaine married George Letke, and although the marriage ended in divorce, the two still co-parented their daughter Donna, together. After some time, Elaine found her soulmate, Richard Frank Cerny. They wed on December 3, of 1964. She and Richard loved to travel. Together they traveled all around the United States in a little motorhome they got shortly after they were wed. Elaine’s two favorite places to travel to were the State of Texas and The Yellowstone National Park. She was a simple lady, who enjoyed the small things in life. She was never materialistic and throughout her years, she helped many people in so many ways. She never asked anyone for help, but always thanked those who did help her. Elaine loved those who had a special place in her heart, and always knew where you stood in her life. The most important thing to Elaine was her family. Kyle and his girls brought her the most joy. When her grandchildren could come over, she loved to play cards with them and make desserts like pudding or knox blocks. On a day with good weather, she would sit on the porch and tell them stories until she had none left to tell. Elaine will be missed by her family, and her memory will always be in their hearts.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her loving husband Richard Frank Cerny. Elaine is survived by her children, Donna (Larry) Gorham of Cassopolis; her sibling Joan Nozicka, of Michigan; her grandchildren; Lori Gorham of Cassopolis, Kyle(Kelley)Gorham, of Bangor, Lindsay(Terry) Gorham-Pflug, of Cassopolis, Cale(Tabitha)Gorham, of Cassopolis; all of her wonderful great-grandchildren.Funeral Services with be held on Friday, February 4, 2022 at One O’clock in the Afternoon with a time of visitation held one hour prior at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel, 61453 M51 in Niles. She will be laid to rest next to her husband at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens. Elaine’s was independent and lived alone until her health no longer warranted such. The family appreciates the care of Tammy and staff at Lighthouse Assisted Living where they made her last few years very special. We know Elaine isn’t alone now, and she will be deeply missed by all of her close friends and family. Condolences, photos, and memories may be left for the family at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Services, of Niles.

Posted online on January 31, 2022
Published in South Bend Tribune