Gesine Czerniak

Gesine Czerniak, age 84, of Maumee, Ohio, died at home on Saturday, May 10, 2025, with her daughters by her side. She was born August 23, 1940, to Hans and Gertrude Fischer in Hamburg, Germany. She immigrated to the United States with her parents and brother, Immo, in January 1950. Gesine was a 1959 graduate of Libbey High School and maintained friendships with her high school girlfriends (the Bunco ladies) throughout her life. Gesine married Lenny Czerniak in 1960 and was a dedicated stay-at-home mother to her 3 children. She later worked at Toledo Trust before accepting a position with Lucas County Job and Family Services for 20 years. Gesine enjoyed a multitude of hobbies including arts and crafts, cooking, sewing, crocheting, gardening, traveling, music, reading, and ushering at the Masonic (Stranahan Theatre), as well as strolling through Crosby Gardens, which was one of her favorite places to go.

Gesine was quietly and fiercely independent, overcoming many health challenges throughout her life. Her younger daughter, Amy, was her devoted and loving caregiver during the last years of her life, which allowed her to remain in her home. She was known by her children for being the “prettiest mom on the block” and lived her life with grace and beauty, both inside and out.

Gesine was preceded in death by her parents, her former husband, her son, Greg, and her brother, Immo. She is survived by her daughters, Laurie (Tim) Knapik, Amy (Beau) Czerniak, her grandchildren Marc (Christine) Medina, Erin Czerniak, and Emily (Pedro) Gonzalez, and her great-granddaughter, Ofelia. Gesine is also survived by her sister-in-law, Sandy Fischer; her nephews Mike (Kate) Fischer, Joe (Mary Jo) Fischer, Steve Fischer, Lenny Heck, and Wendy (Ray) Armentrout, all with their own extended families.

There will be no services per Gesine’s wishes. A memorial open house will be held at a later date for family and friends. Memorial contributions may be made to Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice, 1730 S. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, OH 43614 or to the Humane Society, 827 Illinois Ave., Maumee, Ohio 43537, as she adored her feline grand-kitties.The family would like to thank Ohio Living Home Health & Hospice for their loving care. They provided support that was much appreciated by Gesine, Amy, and Laurie.

 The family would like to specifically mention the following Ohio Living caregivers who were so helpful and supportive: social worker Patty; RNs Julia, Diane, Chrissy, Ellen, Erica, and Brittany; NP Laura, and Chaplain Jewel.