Duane "Dewey" Cherek

Cherek, Duane "Dewey" Born May 16, 1943 to the late Theodore and the late Jean (nee Wesolowski) Cherek and passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a long illness. Cherished husband of Nannette (nee Gardetto). Beloved father of Lisa (Jim Rybacki) Cherek, Laura (Rich Laabs) Cherek and Kristine (Kirk Larsen) Cherek. Proud grandfather of Alex, Amanda, Emma and Elizabeth. Brother of Dennis and Ken Cherek. Loving son-in-law of Judy and the late John Gardetto. Also survived by nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-law, other relatives and many dear friends. Dewey was born and grew up in Bay View, Wisconsin. He attended Bay View High School prior to enlisting in the Army. He spent his entire career in the automobile industry, working first for Firestone Tire Company and Doucas Oldsmobile before starting his own auto dealership in 1984. Next to spending time with his family and friends, Dewey's third true love was cars and Cherek Lincoln Mercury. He touched the lives of so many people through his business. Dewey always considered it a privilege to take care of his customers and his employee family. Nothing made him happier than knowing everyone felt well taken care of. The family would like to give special thanks for the compassionate care given to Dewey over the years by the nurses and aides on 12ST (Oncology) and the many care providers who showed such kindness in the various departments at St. Luke's Medical Center, Dr. Robert Taylor and his staff at Oncology Alliance for their years of care and friendship, and Dr. Ralph Fairchild for his kindness, friendship and support. A special heartfelt thank you to Dr. Brian Buggy. It's hard to find the words to express our gratitude for the extraordinary support, willingness to "quarterback", friendship and loving compassionate care. It brought such comfort during the most difficult times. Dewey was the owner/operator of Cherek Lincoln Mercury, member of Brew Town Cruiser Car Club, past member of South Shore Yacht Club, board member of Lincoln Savings and Loan, Lincoln State Bank, Merchants and Manufacturers Bancorp, and also member of the IMPS, ADAMM and the Wisconsin Club. Visitation on Thursday, August 13, 2009 from 3 PM to 5:45PM at GESU CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1145 W. Wisconsin Avenue followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 6PM. Private entombment at St. Adalbert Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Wisconsin Blood Center, St. Ann's Center or the Gesu Parish Organ Renovation Project would be very appreciated.