Gladys Lorraine Mikeska Cerny

Gladys Lorraine Mikeska Cerny Gladys Lorraine Mikeska Cerny, 93, of El Campo passed away on May 29, 2026. She was born on April 2, 1933, in Hungerford, Texas, to the late Edwin Mikeska and Rosa Lee Parnecia Mikeska. Growing up in a farming family, Gladys learned the value of hard work at an early age, and those lessons prepared her well for life ahead. She attended Hungerford and East Bernard schools, where she enjoyed playing volleyball. Gladys married Alvin Gilbert Cerny on July 6, 1953. When Alvin was drafted into the Army, she moved with him to El Paso, Texas, and Niagara Falls, New York, where the first of their four children was born. When Alvin was later stationed in Greenland, Gladys drove back to Crescent with her three-week-old baby. She lived with Alvin’s parents and worked at Security Bank and Trust until his return. Gladys and Alvin eventually settled in the Crescent area, where they built a life together farming. Gladys played an active role in the family operation by preparing and delivering meals to the field twice daily, tromping cotton trailers, hauling cotton to the gin, and managing all of the farm bookkeeping. In their younger years, Gladys and Alvin enjoyed hosting family gatherings, barbecuing, playing volleyball, and taking trips to Lake Somerville, Lake Texana, Six Flags, and the beach. They also traveled to Washington and New Mexico to visit lifelong friends they met during Alvin’s Army days. There were even a few quick trips to Louisiana for a little gambling and a whole lot of fun. Gladys loved caring for family and friends through her cooking. There was always an invitation at her table. Her chicken noodle soup and fried chicken were family favorites, and there was usually a special dessert waiting in the refrigerator or on the kitchen counter. Gladys also began a long-standing Super Bowl Sunday tradition. Early each game day, she would mix several batches of dough, and family members would gather to make sausage kolaches together in time for kickoff. To the family’s knowledge, this cherished tradition continued for more than 50 years. A lifelong sports enthusiast, Gladys and Alvin rarely missed the activities of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Whether it was volleyball, football, baseball, softball, dance, drill team, or cheer, they could usually be found in the stands supporting their family. In retirement, Gladys and Alvin spent many evenings driving through the countryside to check the fields, visit the deer camp, and make trips to Lake Texana and Splashway. Above all else, Gladys treasured being surrounded by her family and hearing about their lives, activities, and accomplishments. Her greatest joy was the time she spent with those she loved, and the memories she created will be cherished for generations to come. Gladys is survived by her sons, Lloyd Cerny and wife Diane, Glenn Cerny and wife Brenda, daughter Cindy Mahalitc and husband Anthony, and daughter-in-law Dianne Shimek Cerny, all of El Campo; grandchildren Laura Dorotik and husband Trent, Kristi Walton and husband Kyle, Kara McClung and husband Michael, Garrett Cerny and wife Kimberly, Jody Cerny and Justin Mican, Troy Cerny, Tyson Brown and wife Beth, Amber Brown, Kyle Chandler and wife Corri, Cory Chandler and wife Hayley, Kaylee Koudela and husband Brian, Trey Mahalitc and wife Keri, Krissy Mahalitc, Jarrod Mahalitc and fiancé Amber Matula, and twenty-seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Gladys was preceded in death by her husband, parents; son, Gary Cerny; granddaughter, Brandy Cerny; great-grandsons, Jaydin Thompson and Devian Bluntson; and sister Alice Mikeska Dzierzanowski Gladys was a lifelong member of the Wharton County Youth Fair, volunteering for many years in Home Economics. She was also a member of St. John’s Church, St. John’s Alter Society and Catholic Daughters of America. Visitation begins at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at St. John’s Catholic Church in New Taiton with the Rosary recited at 9:30 a.m. Funeral Mass will follow at 10:00 a.m. with the Reverend Gabriel Oduro Tawiah officiating and Deacon Pat Kubala assisting. Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Garrett Cerny, Kyle Chandler, Cory Chandler, Troy Cerny, Justin Mican, Al Cerny, and Trent Dorotik. Honorary Pallbearers will be Laura Dorotik, Kristi & Kyle Walton, Kara & Michael McClung, Kaylee & Brian Koudela, Jody Cerny, Trey & Keri Mahalitc, Jarrod Mahalitc & Amber Matula, Kimberly Cerny, Corri Chandler, Hayley Chandler, Tyson & Beth Brown, and Amber Brown.

Gladys Lorraine Mikeska Cerny

April 2, 1933 - May 29, 2026

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Gladys Lorraine Mikeska Cerny

April 2, 1933 - May 29, 2026

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

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About Us

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Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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