Michael E. Czerniak, age 77 of Sunman, Indiana, passed away, Friday, May 10, 2024, at his home. Born July 7, 1946, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, he is the son of Ervin and Selma (Nee: Kinderman) Czerniak. He married Audrey Kullmann on February 20, 1965, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin and she preceded him in death on May 13, 2008.
Mike was a hardworking and generous man, traits in which he instilled in his children and grandchildren. He was a successful business owner despite only having an 8th grade education. Mike started sweeping floors in a machine shop in Milwaukee, WI, eventually learning the screw machine trade. In 1984, Mike and his beloved wife Audrey moved their family to Sunman, IN for an opportunity to manage a machine shop in Cincinnati, OH. They purchased their dream house and property in Sunman, and he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and maintaining the land. In 1994, Mike and Audrey took a giant leap into business ownership. They started MS&J Quality Screw Machine Products, INC. The business outgrew 2 buildings until they built the current location. Mike’s ultimate dream was to start a business that he could leave as a legacy to his family. In fact, the business name stands for Mike, Scott, Jim/Jenni. His dream was fulfilled and his son, Jim, carries on the family business. When Mike was not working, you could find him hunting, fishing, or throwing back a few cold ones with family and friends. You could always expect to hear a smart-ass comment or inappropriate observation from him! Some of his fondest memories include many fishing trips to Canada, snowmobiling in Wisconsin, hunting trips with family and friends, houseboat trips to Kentucky and RV adventures with his wife and later, grandson, Kyle. Mike loved cars and passed that love to his sons and grandsons. After retiring, Mike spent his winters in Okeechobee, FL fishing the lake and river and shooting the shit with friends. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and celebrated their 2011 win in Florida with his daughter and friends with a night they will never forget. Mike truly loved his Friday night fish fries with Butch and Mary Jane and cruising the “property” scouting deer with his son and grandchildren. Mike was especially fond of his “personal assistant” Becky and could not have survived without her taking care of him. He was always saying, “Becky will take care of it”! Mike will be missed by his family and friends but especially his “butler” Kyle. His final years were spent closely with his grandson, Kyle. They had many adventures, laughs, and argued like an old married couple but the memories will be treasured forever. He was very proud of his grandchildren and could often be heard talking about how smart they all were. He was truly a great man and will be missed by many.
He is survived by his daughter Jenni (Jarod) Wuestefeld of Brookville, Indiana; sons Scott Czerniak of Mayville, Wisconsin, and Jim (Nicki) Czerniak of Metamora, Indiana; sister Suzie (Bud) Wendorf of Wheaton, Illinois; grandchildren Tyler, Brennan, Abby, Shawn, Ashlyn, and Luke Czerniak, Kyle and Kody Wilhelm, Landen and Laney Wuestefeld; great granddaughter Addison Tucker and his treasured nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife Audrey, Mike was preceded in death by his brother Steve Czerniak.
In accordance with Mike’s wishes, cremation was chosen by the family. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 18th, from 2 – 5 p.m., at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Batesville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition or the Sunman Rescue 20 Life Squad. For online condolences go to www.weigelfh.com.