Mary Jane Chervenka

Mary Jane Chervenka, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, passed away peacefully July 21, 2025, of natural causes, at the age of 80. Mary Jane was born on March 14, 1945, to Ardeal and Irene (Piszczek) Ledvina and grew up in Luxemburg, where she attended Luxemburg High School. On August 26, 1967, she married her beloved husband, Denis Chervenka, in Pilsen. Together, they dedicated themselves to owning and operating their family farm for over 40 years, a testament to their commitment and love for one another and their shared values. 

A devoted matriarch, Mary Jane’s heart was a source of love and support for her family. She reveled in the joys of playing sheepshead, sharing stories, and attending her children and grandchildren’s sporting events. Her large garden showcased her passion for canning, allowing her to create delicious home-cooked meals and pies. Her kitchen became the center of celebration during holidays and birthdays, where everyone felt special and loved. Her children would joke that Mary Jane had a “degree” in professional delegation- a trait they valued. 

A woman of strong faith, Mary Jane was an active member of the Rosary Society and choir at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, now St. Therese Parish, where her devotion and strong values left an indelible mark on her community. She took immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren, often spoiling them with both affection and well-deserved treats, and stayed connected to her family through the excitement of watching basketball, especially her great-nephew Jackson.

Mary Jane is survived by: son Jim ( Nancy) Chervenka and their children Kaitlyn, Meagan, and Rachel; son Dan (Tina) Chervenka and their children Jesse (special friend Cassidy VanBeckum) and Sierra; son Paul ( Jaclyn) Chervenka and their children Addison, Andrew, and Alaina; daughter Renee (Thomas) Holdren and their children Jack, Ava, Grant and Olivia; daughter Cindy ( John) Foss and their children Lucy, Charlotte and Clark; Daughter-in-law: Jill (Brad) Dahlke and children Dale Chervenka, Derek (Savannah) Chervenka, Dana Chervenka, and Dylan Dahlke; Siblings: Carol (Lloyd) Kwasny, Pat (Dale) Jandrain, JoAnn (Lee) Ledvina , Jim (Mary) Ledvina, and John (Leah) Ledvina; Brother-in-law Tom Rydzewski; Denis’ Siblings: Jean (Lyle) Cherney, Mary (Jack ) Delleman, and Rita Chervenka; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Denis; infant son David; son Dale; parents Ardeal and Irene; sister Sue Rydzewski; brother-in-law John Chervenka, nephew Jon Chervenka and Denis’ parents John and Helen Chervenka.

Mary Jane’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Paul and Jackie, who lovingly cared for her during the last couple of months, including building her own suite on the land she loved. We also want to thank Unity Hospice for their compassionate support. 

Family and friends may visit at Cotter Funeral Home- Denmark (536 County Road R) on Sunday, July 27, from 4-7pm, with a parish prayer service to conclude the evening. Visitation will continue Monday, at St. Therese Parish-St. Lawrence Site, Stangelville (N2085 County Road AB, Denmark) from 9:30am until 10:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with Fr. Dennis Drury officiating. Burial will follow mass in the church cemetery.