Ray Cermak, age 82, passed away peacefully with family by his side, after a long battle with Lewy body dementia, on Friday, December 13, 2024 in Bensenville, Illinois.

He was born on December 23, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois to Sylvester Frank and Irene (Zelenka) Cermak who have preceded him in death.

Ray met and married the love of his life, and mother of his children in Keeneyville, Illinois, Edna (Gould) Cermak who precedes him in death. It was in Illinois where they established their family, then later moved to the Michigan City area where he co-owned the mushroom farm with his dad; where Ray was nicknamed the “Boss man”.

Through his entire journey, Ray lived life to the fullest, enjoying many things, sailboat racing, traveling, tennis, making holiday yard displays, the outdoors, making macramé, his beautiful artwork, hog roasts, and the list goes on.

He loved his family and friend get-togethers. We will never forget his once a year treat of his famous pizzas! He loved the holidays and the joys of cooking. Ray and his brother Randy would be at the grocery store for the 10th time to prepare another feast for our families.

Ray started his business, Cermak’s Decks & More that operated for over 24 years. He was a very skilled jack-of-all-trades. Ray was a loving, kind and generous person. He made friends wherever he went and enjoyed being a part of his community in any way he could.

Ray’s greatest joy was not just his immediate family, but the family and friends he surrounded himself with. His love for them remained unwavering.

Ray is survived by his proud children, Anna (Dale) Baron, Daniel Carabine, Jeannette Craft, Peggy Peck, Randy Cermak, Raymond Cermak, and Michelle (Robert) Barclay; his wonderful partner of 20 years, Pam Blue; his grandchildren, Seth, Raquel, Hunter, Kristin (Matt) Myers, Jessica, Mikey (Keziah) Peck, Jordan (Bailey) Peck, Samantha (Patrick) Brady, Aggie Mae, Randi, Mia, and Kayla; great-grandchildren, Parker, Maverick, Ava, Thatcher, Scout, Odin, Emerson, Aidan, Grayson, Ivy and Wesley; and sister, Diane Marsden.

He is also preceded in death by his brother, Randall Cermak; and sister, Susan Simmonds.

Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at Geisen-Carlisle Funeral Home, 613 Washington St. Michigan City, IN 46360 from 12:00 pm until the time service at 4:00 pm with Pastor Jack Andrews, officiating.

Ray will be cremated following his service and in the spring there will be a Celebration of Life and burial at Greenwood with his wife, Edna.

Flowers are welcome or a memorial contribution may be made in Ray’s name to Dunebrook, 7451 West Johnson Road, Michigan City, IN 46360. https://dunebrook.networkforgood.com/projects/240989-heather-s-journey-from-struggle-to-empowerment