Loretta Jean Czerniak, of Sylvania, OH, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 30, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was born on August 19, 1934, in Wewoka, OK, and later made Toledo, OH her home.

Loretta graduated from Toledo Central Catholic High School in 1953 and soon after married the love of her life, Donald “Red” Czerniak. Their marriage of 52 years was filled with devotion, family, and countless cherished memories.

A hardworking and determined woman, Loretta became the proud owner of the Loretta-Joyce Shoppes and later enjoyed a successful career as a realtor for many years. Outside of work, she was known for her deep love of sports. Loretta never missed a Central Catholic game—whether cheering for her children, Don, Mark, Debbie, and Sandy, or later for ten of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her presence was unmistakable—if you heard the cowbell, you knew Loretta was there.

She was also a passionate fan of THE Ohio State Buckeyes, even if she occasionally had to distract herself cooking or doing laundry during tense plays. One of her favorite lifelong memories was witnessing the Buckeyes win the 2002 National Championship in person alongside Red.

When not cheering on her teams, Loretta loved a full house of chaos at the family cottage on Devil’s Lake. From her children’s early years to adulthood, “the lake” became a beloved second home—a place where decades of laughter, traditions, and treasured memories were created and continue to be shared by generations.

Loretta is survived by her children, Donald (Julie) Czerniak, Mark Czerniak, Debbie (Kenny) Balogh, and Sandy (Mike) Dandino; her brother, Chris Chinni; and her grandchildren, Kelsey (Keith) Gaskins, Brett Balogh, Lindsay (Adam) Fish, Chad Czerniak, Bradley (Courtney) Czerniak, Kayla (Shon) Tramontana, Jacob (Lindsey) Czerniak, Karlee (Danny) Yodzis, Jordan Czerniak, and Joe Dandino. She is also survived by her 13 great-grandchildren with a 14th on the way, who brought her immense joy.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald “Red” Czerniak; her parents, Mursell “Tiny” Chinni and Raymond Chinni; and her infant daughter, Cynthia Marie Czerniak.

Visitation will be held on Thursday December 4, 2025 from 3:00 until 7:00 p.m. in the Thos. I. Wisniewski Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday December 5, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the Historic Church of St. Patrick 130 Avondale Ave. Toledo, OH. 43604. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park, Sylvania.

The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the Kingston Care Center of Sylvania for their years of compassion and care, as well as to Ohio Living Hospice for their support.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Lymphoma Society in Loretta’s honor.

“May the road rise to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
Until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”