Obituaries
Obituary: Frank A. “Ponch” Cherven
Frank was known as the Scourge of the neighborhood who would trap and release the squirrels at will.
Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
Frank A. “Ponch” Cherven
Age 94, passed away at his home in Channahon, Illinois, where he had resided the past 52 years.
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He was born on January 17, 1932, to the late Clementine Clara (Felix) and John M. Cherven in Joliet, Illinois, where he was raised and educated. Frank went to St. Cyril's grade school and graduated from Joliet Township High School with the class of 1949.
He proudly went on and served his Country during the Korean War in the 4th Army Artillery at both Camp Polk in Louisiana and at Fort Sill in Oklahoma.During this time he earned a National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged in 1955.
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Frank earned a Bachelor Degree in Chemistry and spent most of his career as a chemist with the former Northern Petrochemical through Quantum, which became Lyondell-Basell, where he retired from as a Senior Chemist.He was previously employed at General Mills in Kankakee where he resided for several years before returning to the Joliet area in the 70’s.
As a diehard Red Sox fan since Ted Williams' days, Frank was elated when they won the World Series. He was the Scourge of the neighborhood squirrels, trapping and releasing them at will.He would also recite quotes from the Ten Commandments when the situation called for it.Ponch could operate a million dollar piece of equipment, yet was extremely challenged by the internet.
Frank married the love of his life, Marilyn J. Patten in 1957, preceding him in death in 2011.“Ponch” also lost his brother, John and sisters, Leona and Helen, as well as his parents.
He is survived by his daughter, Susan (John) Underwood; friend, Jeanne Angus of Suwanee, Georgia, and many cousins.
Frank, sometimes referred to as “The Coot” will be remembered as a proud American who was fiercely independent. He was a life member of the former Harwood Post #5 American Legion.
A Memorial Gathering for Frank will be Friday, May 22, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Road (at Essington Rd) Joliet.
As it was Frank’s request, cremation rites have been accorded and his final earthly remains will be interred next to those of his wife, Marilyn, at SS Cyril and Methodius Cemetery in Joliet.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Frank’s name can be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com, where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
