Stanley John Cervenka
September 20, 1922 - December 21, 2016
Obituary
Stanley John Cervenka died Dec. 21, 2016 at the age of 94. He was born Sept. 20, 1922, in Pisek, North Dakota, the seventh of eight children of Frank and Mary Cervenka. His little hometown was very Czech and very Catholic, and it was there that he learned the value of a dollar and the principles of integrity and humility that he carried with him throughout his life.
During World War II, Stan was selected for the V-12 Navy College Training Program, under which he earned a mechanical engineering degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He was then sent for officers’ training to Columbia University in New York, which is where he found himself when the war in Europe ended in 1945.
That summer Stan made the fortuitous decision to attend a dance at Bachelor’s Grove in North Dakota, where he met a pig-tailed redhead named Patty Rose Reiten, as vivacious as he was quiet. He and Pat married in 1947 and eventually settled in Seattle, where Stan worked for the Boeing company for 38 years and together with Pat raised nine children in a house filled with joy and laughter. Self-effacing and humble, Stan had a greater impact on his family, his workplace, his church, and his community than he ever recognized.
Stan is survived by his loving wife, Pat; nine children: Mary Eidsvold (Barry); Mark Cervenka (Sue); Frank Cervenka (Laurie); Margaret Schmitz (Andy); Cathy Peters; Sue Steelquist (Dan); Patty Cervenka; Paul Cervenka (Joni); and Bob Cervenka; 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He outlived all of his immediate family, and is pre-deceased by his beloved son-in-law, Scott Peters.
Funeral mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Burien, WA at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 30. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis of Assisi School.
My memories of Uncle Stan are that he was always a gentle, funny, humble, loving man. He quite obviously loved his sisters and brothers, and his family. My heart goes out to Aunt Patty and all my cousins and their children, to have to say “See you later” to such a wonderful man at this time of year. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
I will never forget you, Uncle Stan!!
Dear family, please accept my sincere condolence and deepest sympathy. As you prepare to lay your loved one to rest m may you find comfort in family, close friends, and the many fond memories that you shared.
Allow the promises of God to give you inner peace and strength to cope the days ahead. Revelation 21:4 and John 5:28,29
So sorry to hear about your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Amy, Steve & Nicklaus Dubois
Dear Patty and Cervenka cousins,
Stan was such a wonderful gentle soul filled with kindness. I am so grateful to have known him. I loved his home movies – he was so ahead of his time-we only had slides and photos. We also enjoyed our visits in summer when he took us on a tour of his garden, especially the tomatoes. He was a masterful gardner and inspired us to become urban farmers. My heart goes out to all of you as he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. Take good care. We’ll see you on Friday. Love, Mary Beth
Dear Cervenka family,
I am a friend of Sue’s. I am so sorry for you loss. I didn’t know Stan having only met him a few times. Reading his obituary gave a little glimpse of the man he was. God be close to all of you as you mourn this great man.
Cervenka family,
Ssending love and peace your way this day. Your dad (husband) was there, a quiet and loving presence, each time I spent time in your home. He had a profound effect on me and many others because he was love and acceptance personified in a calm and gentle spirit. Thank you for sharing him with us all these years. Much love, Karol