Myron D. Czerwonka

MADISON / RIDGEWAY - Myron D. Czerwonka, of Madison, passed away with his wife by his side at St. Marys Hospital, Sun Prairie, on Monday, Dec. 21, 2015. He was born July 27, 1938 in Dodgeville, Wis., the second child of Max A. and Martha (Butteris) Czerwonka. Myron attended Iowa County elementary schools, graduating in 1956 from Ridgeway High School. He began his basketball career by playing on the A team in fifth grade and continued playing throughout his senior year. Lew Cornelius, sports writer for the Capital Times, followed the championship Ridgeway teams and reported that Myrons floor game was outstanding was impressed by his famous side jump shots and left-handed side shots. In 1956, the Ridgeway team were the champions of the Iowa County league, with 14 straight victories; Myron was honored as the most valuable player. He was an artist at ball feeding and handling and was a deadly shot. Also in 1956, Myron and fellow teammate, Tom Davis, were placed on the first team All Iowa County Conference Star 5 basketball team selected by the conference coaches for The Capital Times. Myron served his country in the US Army, attaining a rank of Private Second Class. He worked as a master painter for many years, retiring from CDA Housing, City of Madison in June 2003. On July 27, 1996, he was married to the former Janet Austin OKane, who survives him. Myron took pride in his family and his work. He enjoyed family gatherings; going out for a meal, especially if it involved banana cream pie or biscuits and gravy; and playing euchre at the Labor Temple and with the seniors at Lakeview. Myron liked talking to the grandchildren about sports and attended their games and other activities as long as he was able. Myron was the father of two sons; Kevin (Jennifer) Czerwonka of Columbus, Ohio and Jason Czerwonka. He was a proud grandfather to Lexie and Max Czerwonka, Columbus, Ohio; and Molly Ann Molepske, McFarland, Wis., as well as to her family Maria and Joe Marking, Jr. and Andrew. Myron also developed a special relationship with Janets children, Jason (Melanie) OKane and children Adam, Laura and Megan of Rio; Jody OKane; and Jeanette (Mark Fairchild) Boss and sons, Jeffery OKane and Justin Boss, all of Madison. He was great grandfather to Chase and Kaylee and to Caleb, who always brought a smile to Poppas face when he visited with his family, Brett Blomme and Chris Verhaeghe. He is further survived by a sister, Karen Trainor of Waupun, Wis.; a brother, Jack, of West Allis, Wis.; and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Myron was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Marvin, in 1988 and Max (Butch) in 2011; a brother-in-law, Vince Trainor; two nephews, Joel Trainor and Steve Ring; a great niece, Kara Czerwonka, and a special cousin and friend, Dave Meudt. A special thank you to Jeanette, Jason, Adam, and Megan who helped care for Myron in the last days so that he was able to realize his wish of remaining at home; to Laura, who provided transportation when it was badly needed; to Kathy and Michael Knudtson and Kari Seeliger for their assistance and kind concern; to the many volunteers and staff at Agrace HospiceCare who touched Myrons life over the last three years, especially Dave and Jennifer, his CNA; and to Dr. Orest Kostelyna, an extraordinary doctor whose caring and support - medical and emotional - allowed Myron to enjoy a quality of life to the end. Cremation rites have been accorded. A celebration of Myrons life will be held Jan. 7, 2016 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the East Hall of LAKEVIEW LUTHERAN CHURCH, (Mandrake & Northport) Madison. Day is done, gone the sun, from the hills, from the lake, from the skies. All is well, safely rest, God is nigh. Taps All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services Madison (608)442-0477 www.866allfaiths.com