Michael Keith Cernuch

Michael Keith Cernuch, 68 of Gause, passed away on Thursday April 10, 2025 of complications from a horse riding accident.

Mike was born December 28, 1956 in Houston, Texas to Shirley Wood and Charley C. “Chuck” Cernuch, Jr.

The family moved to Gause in the early 70’s and quickly became part of the community. Mike was briefly married to Sandra Thurman, to which his son Michael Kent “Chubby” Cernuch was born in 1977.

In 1982 Mike married Peggy Swan. They were married in Gause at the family property but lived in Houston, until they purchased their property in Gause in 1986. Peggy was the love of his life, best friend, fishing buddy and riding partner for the next 43 years.

Mike was a “jack of all trades, and a master of many”, but his true calling was a lineman, which he did for more than 45 years, finally retiring in 2021.

Mike was a hard worker, but he played harder.

He was an invaluable member of the Gause Volunteer Fire Dept.

He had many hobbies and was always up for an adventure. From two wheels to four legs, he has tried most everything. He enjoyed team roping and trail riding for many years and was always about a good camping and fishing trip, but motorcycles were his passion. Always riding hard and fast anywhere he went. He loved music and enjoyed playing Bass guitar any chance he got. Mike made friends easily.

He was a memorable character in any setting and always the life of the party. He was a true friend in every sense of the word. Loyal,dedicated, dependable and always available.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Mike is preceded in death by his grandparents, Charley C. Cernuch Sr., Francis Opal “Nonnie” Cernuch, Johnnie Mae Cernuch Edgar James Wood, Uncle Ron Wood and Aunt Joe Ann Wood McClanahan.

He is survived by his parents Chuck and Shirley Cernuch, wife Peggy, son Michael “Chubby” and wife Faythe, sister Donna Schultz and husband Danny, sister Charlette “Charley” Kleiber and husband Ricky, grandchildren Kalissa Cernuch, Samantha Cernuch, Victoria Cernuch and Kaden Cernuch, great-grandson Kent Cernuch, nephews and nieces Jason Rose and wife Jana, Reggie Jammer, Jenna Jammer, Ricky Kleiber and wife Brianne, Ryan Kleiber and wife Roxanne, and Christopher Klieber and wife Misty and numerous other aunts, uncles, great nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family.