Vernon Peter Cherneski

Jul 24, 1937 -

Jan 14, 2022

Vern peacefully passed away at night, just as he wanted, in his home in Big Lake, Alaska, at 84 years old.

Vern is survived by his wife, Margaret "Penny" Cherneski; children, Cathy and Craig, Christy and Alan, Peter and Renee; grandchildren, Will, Lexi (O'Riley), Shanell (Kaleo), Devan and Darian (Jeremy); and great-grandchildren, Tess, Gaudens, Rin, Emerson and Owen.

He was preceded in death by his favorite daughter, Cindy.

Vern was born to Peter and Adrian Cherneski in Flint, Mich., in 1937. He graduated from Ferris State '59 with a teaching degree and a passion to move to Alaska. In 1964, he made his trek to Big Lake and shortly after started teaching at Wasilla High School and coaching basketball. During this time he became an avid dog musher who eventually fulfilled his dreams of running the Iditarod, not only once, but twice. He was an Alaska outdoor enthusiast who loved commercial fishing, hunting, gold mining and being with his friends and family. No one he met was a stranger, he was always welcoming to anyone and everybody who crossed his path. He was a great husband, father, brother and friend.

To all of you that knew him, knew that he was a special light, had a loving heart and a personality that could never be forgotten, and he will be dearly missed by us all.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Jan. 23, 2022, from 1-4 p.m., at the Palmer Moose Lodge, 1136 East Cobb Street, Palmer, AK 99645. All friends and family welcome to come and share your best Vernski memory.