Blanche M. Cernik

Blanche M. Cernik, age 97 of Grafton, ND passed away Monday, March 23, 2015 at the Lutheran Sunset Home of Grafton. Blanche M. LaCourse was born January 23, 1918 near Grafton, ND the daughter of the late William and Laocadia (Lessard) LaCourse. She attended schools in Oakwood and Grafton, ND. Following her education she worked for her uncle, Elmer Berg at the Grafton Ben Franklin Store. Blanche was united in marriage to Lloyd Cernik on June 21, 1937 in Grafton, ND. The couple lived and farmed near Grafton until 1964 when they moved into Grafton. Blanche worked in the house keeping department at the Grafton Developmental Center until 1983. She later volunteered at the Walsh County Nutrition Center. Blanche was a member of the St. John's Catholic Church and Altar Society. She enjoyed Senior Bowling. She also loved to crotchet and knit afghans to give to her children and grandchildren. Other activities included listening to music and traveling. Her most memorable trip was to the Holy Land. Blanche is survived by her children: Jim (Terri) Cernik, Fargo, ND; Judy (Robert) O'Toole, Grafton, ND; Mary Jane (Richard) Ferguson, Fargo, ND; Jack (Sherry) Cernik, Lakeland, FL; Susan (Gary) Barsness, St. Cloud, MN; Janet (Arnie) Gerszewski, Grafton, ND; Monica (Dan) Gorder, Grafton, ND; daughter-in-law, LaVaughn Cernik, Fargo, ND; sister, Doris Fyfe, San Leandro, CA; 23 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; Lloyd on Aug. 31, 1973; son Gene; brother; Alva LaCourse, grandson, Greg Ferguson; great granddaughter, Megan O'Toole, and daughter-in-law Connie Cernik Mass of Christian Burial will be: Friday, March 27, 2015 at 10:30 A.M. at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church. Visitation will be Thursday from 5-7 PM with a prayer service at 6:00 PM at the Tollefson Funeral Home of Grafton. Friends may also call at the church on Friday for one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at St. John's Catholic Cemetery in the spring. The family would prefer memorials to the St. John's Kitchen Fund or the Altru Hospice Grafton Division.