CERNOSEK
Nancy Bertsch Cernosek, 69, of Columbus, was called home by her Heavenly Father Feb. 9 surrounded by her family. She was born in Columbus on Oct. 16, 1952 to Ernest Julius (E.J.) and Mildred Bertsch. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, and Granny.
Nancy graduated from Bishop Forest High School in 1971 and married her high school sweetheart, Paul Cernosek, on Aug. 25, 1972, in Columbus at St. Anthony Catholic Church.
They established their home in Houston while working and attending school. She enjoyed her time working at Superior Oil in downtown Houston, including the lunches at James Coney Island and the close proximity to Foley’s.
As Paul and Nancy built their home in their beloved Forest West neighborhood, with great joy they welcomed their two sons, Joshua Paul and Jacob Michael. She loved being a mother to her boys, as well as all of their friends growing up over the years.
Nancy was active in their community and spent many years volunteering and working in St. Ambrose School where she made many cherished friends.
Some of the family’s favorite times were spent at the beach, fishing and relaxing, in their Sea Isle community. She loved the sound of the waves on the beach and her walks in the sand. Nancy welcomed everyone with open arms and a full table, and their homes in both Houston and Galveston were always filled with family and friends.
Paul and Nancy returned to Columbus in 2002 and she greatly enjoyed being back near so many of her family members and getting to spend more time with them, as well as rekindling so many friendships from her youth.
Nancy was known by all as a doer, always staying busy with projects and the first to help whenever she could. She loved bringing joy to others and she showed this with food, treats, handwritten notes, and phone calls. Her birthday cards and notes were always accompanied by comic strips personally selected for the recipient.
Nancy’s incredible faith and strength throughout her life was an inspiration to all who knew her. Despite many health challenges over the years, her outlook on life was always positive and she considered everyday a blessing to share her love and faith with everyone she touched.
She loved her grandchildren and being a Granny, always happy and beaming with pride when getting to share the latest updates about them, as well as sharing ice cream with them whenever their parents weren’t looking.
Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 49 years, Paul Henry Cernosek of Columbus; sons Joshua P. Cernosek and wife Leslie of Katy, and Jacob M. Cernosek and fiancé Kristen Boatman of Columbus; her grandchildren Nicholas, Benjamin, Avery, and Cole; sister Connie Kotrla and husband DeWayne Kotrla; brother Butch Bertsch and wife Jeannie; sister-in-law Peggy Bertsch; as well as a host of wonderful in-laws from the Cernosek family, nieces, and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents E.J and Mildred Bertsch, brother Michael Bertsch, and niece Whitney Kotrla. Visitation was Monday, Feb. 14 at Henneke Funeral Home in Columbus. A rosary and parish prayer service was that evening.
Funeral mass was Tuesday, Feb. 15 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus with Fr. Augustine N. Asante officiating. Visitation was at the church prior to the funeral.
Interment followed in the St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery in Columbus.
Pallbearers were Nicholas Cernosek, Benjamin Cernosek, Bradley Kotrla, Chase Stanzel, Taylor Kotrla, and Brent Young
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to St. Anthony Catholic Church, P.O. Box 669, Columbus, TX 78934.
Online condolences may be given at www.hennekefuneralhome.com.