Cerny, Josephine E.

Josephine E. Cerny, 100-year lifetime resident of Iowa City, died Monday, Aug. 24, 2009, at the Iowa City Rehabilitation & Health Care center. Josephine requested no services. Burial will be alongside her parents at Oakland Cemetery in Iowa City.

Online condolences may be sent through the Web at

Josephine Elizabeth Cerny was born Dec. 21, 1908, at 418 East Church St., here in Iowa City, the daughter of George and Anna (Krofta) Cerny. She graduated from schools here, including the University of Iowa. She then worked for the University of Iowa at the State Hygienic Lab for over 30 years before her retirement. She was key in analyzing the antibiotic contaminant in diary cows' milk. Jo was a lifelong advocate of Iowa City, the University of Iowa, entertaining family and a health conscious lifestyle, including exercise and proper nutrition. Jo lived in the family home, that her father built, all of her life until moving to Walden Place in 1998. She later moved to Iowa City Rehab and Health Care. She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Iowa City. She volunteered for years at Goodwill and was a founding member of her church quilting group. She was a wonderful historian and loved dogs.

Surviving family include a niece, Kristi Waymire (John) of Lebanon, Ind.; two nephews, James Cerny (Mary) of Walkerton, Ind., and Phil Cerny of York, UK; five great-nephews; two great-nieces; and two great-great-nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and two brothers, George L. Cerny and Paul J. Cerny.

Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service are caring for Josephine's family and her services.