Jimmy Julius Cermak

Jimmy Julius Cermak of Lake George, MN passed away peacefully at Heritage Center in Park Rapids on October 25, 2019. He was 97 years old.

Jimmy was born at home in Schoolcraft Township on August 18,1922 to Jim and Frances Cermak. He spent his early school years at the Yola Schoolhouse, then graduated high school at Laporte in May of 1942. In October of that same year he enlisted in the Navy and trained as an aviation machinist and in radio electronics. He served in the Pacific Arena during World War II as an airplane mechanic in Guam and New Hebrides and received the American Area and Victory Medals. 

Jimmy met Betty (Bertha) Rose Kinker while stationed in Florida and they were married on October 2nd, 1947 at the Gesu Catholic Church in Miami. They were married for 49 years and had eight children. Jimmy learned the plastering trade from Betty’s side of the family and he was a union plasterer for almost 40 years. He loved fishing and hunting, the Twins, anything mechanical and, of course, music; especially Big Band era and Country Western.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters Sylvia, Blanche, and Wilma; his beloved wife Betty; and three of his children, Jimmy, Martin, and George.

He will be lovingly remembered by his children Betty (Harold) Christlieb of Braham, MN, Carolyn (Karl-Heinz) Mertins of Moorhead, MN, Paul (Tina) Cermak of Lake George, MN, Lloyd (Rebecca) Cermak of Bemidji, MN, and Steve (Celeste) Cermak of Bemidji, MN; by 20 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

The service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 2, 2019 at St. Theodore’s Catholic Church in Laporte.  Military Honors will be provided by the Spencer – Ross American Legion Honor Guard of Walker.  Inurnment will be at St. Theodore’s Catholic Cemetery in Laporte.  Arrangements are by Dennis Funeral Home, Walker, Minnesota.

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