Locals Pack KC Hall to Remember Jack Cernosek
-
Jack Cernosek’s widow Donella Dopslauf-Cernosek poses for a photo with some of Jack’s nieces and close friends: (from left) Liz Harris, Carmen Cernosek, Debbie Zigal, Donella Dopslauf-Cernosek, Donna Webb-Wessels and Fayette County Judge Dan Mueller. Photos by Andy Behlen -
This undated photo from Jack’s celebration shows (from left) Frankie Mueller, BJ Kalina, Dan Mueller and Jack Cernosek. -
Jack Cernosek was also well-known for his stylish western attire. Many of his boots and jackets were on display at the celebration last Friday. -
Many photos were on display at Jack Cernosek’s celebration of life, including this montage featuring Jack and his favorite country singer, Hank Williams Sr.
Fayette County said goodbye to one of its most iconic citizens, Frank Cyril “Jack” Cernosek, during a celebration of his life at the La Grange KC Hall last Friday, June 5.
Cernosek passed away at the age of 92 on May 13. He was well-known in the area for his long career in the gravel and cattle business. He’s perhaps even more famous for his legendary “watering hole” – Post Oak Inn – one of the last true honky-tonks in the area still operating.
Fayette County Judge Dan Mueller, a long-time friend of Cernosek, served as the Master of Ceremonies for the celebration last Friday. Jack was a lover of classic country music, especially Hank Williams Sr. Appropriately, his celebration of life included music performances by recording artists Wyatt Aleman, Darrell Mc-Call and Mona McCall; Jack’s nephew Chris Cernosek and local cattleman and musician Todd Fritsch.
Each year Jack hosted a Deer Hunters Ball at Post Oak with a special stew prepared by his ranch hands Dean Ahlschlager, Mike Dittrich, Mike Petras and Rooster Ahlschlager. The four men cooked their special stew for Jack’s celebration last Friday.
Lots of stories were told, from pheasant hunts in Nebraska to a recent road trip to see Hank Williams’ resting place in Montgomery, Alabama. Judge Mueller recalled how B.J. Thomas and Triumphs may never have reached their level of success in the music industry were it not for Cernosek. Mueller said Cernosek was related to some of the band members through his mother’s family, and he heard them play music as teenagers in their hometown of Rosenberg. Cernosek was so impressed that he personally arranged for the Triumphs to play their first show at Swiss Alp Dance Hall. Cernosek drove them to Swiss Alp himself since none of them had a drivers license at that time. Later, Mueller said, Cernosek convinced B.J. Thomas to record a version of Hank Williams’ famous song, “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” The song became a radio hit in 1966, and it launched the Triumphs to stardom.
Jack’s memory will live on in lots of ways, and so will his beer joint. Jack’s niece, Carmen Cernosek, told the Record that she purchased Post Oak Inn from her uncle before he died, and she intends to keep it open.
Farewell, Jack. You won’t be forgotten.