Arthur J. Chermak, age 87, of rural Alexandria, MN, died Sunday, February 12, 2017, at Bethany Community in Alexandria, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, February 16^th at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, rural Lowry, with Fr. James Statz officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. at the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home in Glenwood with parish prayers and rosary at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday, one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in St. John Nepomuk Cemetery. Arrangements are with the Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.

Arthur “Art” Joseph Chermak, son of Wencil and Christine (Bartos) Chermak, was born at home on March 15, 1929, in Lake Mary Township, Douglas County, Minnesota.  He grew up on the farm in Lake Mary Township and attended St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church and District 456 country school.  Art served his country during the Korean War in the U.S. Army. 

Art was united in marriage to Dorreen Kalina on September 20, 1955, at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church.  They made their home and life on the family farm.  Art and Dorreen were blessed with six children:  Thomas, Randy, Linda, Lowell, Paul and Jodi.  He spent his entire life caring for his family, and his passion was farming.  Family gatherings and entertaining were a significant part of his life.  Art served on the school board for District 456 and was a lifetime member of the Lowry American Legion.

Art died on Sunday, February 12, 2017, at the Bethany Nursing Home in Alexandria surrounded by his family.  He is survived by his loving wife of over 61 years, Dorreen; 6 children: Tom (Frances) Chermak of Longmont, CO; Randy Chermak of Osakis; Linda Kolodziej (David Benshoof) of White Bear Lake; Lowell (Michele) Chermak of Alexandria; Paul (Michelle) Chermak of Alexandria; and Jodi (Allan) Teich of Sartell; 14 grandchildren: Justin Chermak, Jessyca Chermak (Cory Knutson), Ryan (Angie) Chermak, Shaun Chermak, Heather (Shane) Kallenbach, Adam Kolodziej, Kirby (Jenni) Chermak, Derek Chermak, Casey Chermak, Krystal Chermak, Sierra Chermak, Harley Chermak, Greta Teich, and William Teich; and 5 great-grandchildren: Jack Chermak, Ava and Austin Knutson, Chase Chermak, and Dylan Hart.

Art is preceded in death by his parents; sister, LaVera Tvrdik, and aunt, Lillian Kancianich.

Art had an infectious smile and personality.  He will be missed by many and was loved by all.

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