Obituaries

Obituaries: June 20, 2026

by ONN Staff

Updated June 20, 2026

David William Cernugel

April 5, 1975-June 18, 2026

Dave Cernugel, 51, passed away unexpectedly on June 18, 2026, leaving behind a family and community who loved him deeply.

Dave was a devoted husband to his wife, Colleen (O’Sullivan) and proud father of five wonderful children, Alex (18), Ginny (17), Lizzie (14), Sully (10) and Lucas (6), as well as a loyal son, brother, and friend to so many.

Dave’s greatest joy in his life was his family, whether cheering from the sideline or sharing stories around the campfire. Dave brought laughter, love, energy and fun wherever he went. Dave had a gift for connecting with people. As a teacher, he inspired countless students. As a bartender and server, he never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone feel welcome. His warm smile and quick wit left a lasting impression. Though his life was way too short, the love he shared and the memories he created will live on in those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Dave was an avid fan of soccer. Both on and off the pitch. A die-hard Chicago sports enthusiast, especially of the Chicago Bears. Go BEARS!

Dave is survived by his father, William Cernugel; sister, Debra Sweet (Thomas); brother, James Cernugel (Susan) and many nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Loretta Cernugel.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in Dave’s memory.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of David, please visit our floral store.

Helen Louise Hegyi

September 7, 1949-June 13, 2026

Helen Louise Hegyi passed on June 13, 2026, at the age of 76.

Born on September 7, 1949, Helen lived in Wyoming, Michigan.

Helen Louise Harden was born on September 7, 1949, to Julia and Albert Harden. She had a big sister, Lois Ann, and a little sister, Mary Frances. She adored them both. She loved growing up with her family and her Baba, going to Indiana for family reunions and singing Ricky Nelson songs.

She met the love of her life, Bill, working at Blue Cross Blue Shield and they built a lifetime of love and holding hands together. Helen and Bill were married on May 5, 1972, and those two cuties loved each other so much! They had two children, Jennifer and Bill. There have never been two luckier kids, ever.

Helen worked at the Secretary of State in Michigan for a long time, and that was not an easy job! She probably helped some people reading this get ahead in line, get their license, and a few people on their motorcycle tests, too. Helen had some beautiful friendships, especially her dear friend, Doris — what a gem! They were two peas in a pod! One of Helen’s greatest roles was as Grammy to Summer, Ava, and Ryder. Her love for them was completely unmatched; they have a foundation of family because of her.

Helen had a very welcoming heart; she wanted everyone to feel safe and she did her best to see that happen. She made the best Christmas cookies and Chex Mix, which her family all loved so much. She was a horrible singer, but she sang with her whole body and her face lit up; we all loved it. She loved board games, she loved euchre and pretending she did not actually know what was going on in the game. There has never been a person who loved ice cream more than Helen, not even close. Every year during Lent, she gave it up and three days in, she talked about how hard it was, without fail. That’s how much she loved ice cream. Helen loved “Murder She Wrote," “Golden Girls," and all Hallmark movies because she liked people to be happy, good to prevail, and love.

Helen Louise Harden Hegyi was a gift to us all. She was a beautiful, compassionate person with a smile to greet everyone, always. Helen was a wonderful wife, daughter, sister, mother, grammy, and friend. We are all better for her love and will miss her all of our days.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents and her sweet sister, Lois.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Bill; her forever little sister, Mary and brother-in-law, Glenn Johnson; daughter, Jennifer and her husband, Christopher Victory; son, Bill and his partner, Karie McMahon; three really lucky grandkids who love their grammy so much: Summer, Ava, and Ryder.

Visitation with family and friends will take place from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Cook Memorial Chapel, 4235 Prairie St. SW, Grandville, MI 49418.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 24, with visitation from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to Mass, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 9408 Wilson Ave. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Faith Hospice. The family welcomes memories and messages at cookcaresgrandville.com in their guestbook online.