06/10/2026
John Francis Cherney
John Francis Cherney passed away peacefully at home and was reunited in eternal life with his beloved wife of 56 years, Barbara Ellen Cherney (nee Janis), on May 31st, 2026, at the age of 86. He was the loving father of Kevin Cherney (Katie) and Michelle O’Brien (Mark). Proud Papa of Ella O’Brien, Livia O’Brien, Meadow Cherney, Sela O’Brien, Xander Cherney, and Isla O’Brien. John was also preceded in death by his brother, Orville; his niece, Pamela; and other relatives. He is further survived by his sister, Gladys Metzler (Marty); nine nieces and nephews, five step-grandchildren, one step-great-grandchild, and many dear friends.
John was born on April 17th, 1940, to the late Frank and Verna Cherney in Green Bay, Wisconsin. As the youngest of three siblings growing up on a farm, John’s days began with early morning chores, continued with school and athletics, and ended with evening work alongside his family—an upbringing that shaped the strong work ethic, discipline, and quiet dedication he carried throughout his life.
Music was also woven into family life, so much so that John taught himself the drums to follow in his father’s footsteps and play in a polka band. That love of music stayed with him when he enlisted in the Army Reserve, where he also performed in the band. And true to John’s gumption, when he was asked to list a middle name on his Reserve paperwork and didn’t have one, he chose Francis right on the spot—a name that became part of him for the rest of his life.
John’s love for the Green Bay Packers was just as much a part of who he was. Over the years, that devotion took many forms—from listening to games on the radio and later watching them on television, to finding creative ways into Lambeau Field (i.e. jumping the fence). He even spent one season as a beer vendor to gain access to the stadium, though he’d be the first to admit there was a great deal more game-watching than beer-selling on his part. The dedication he had learned early on, along with his good-natured antics, ultimately led to becoming a lifelong season ticket holder at the ripe old age of 21.
While serving in the Army Reserve (and having a brand new middle name), John attended barber school, completed his apprenticeship, and made his way to Milwaukee—steps that not only began his career, but also set the stage for the life he would go on to build.
It was here that he combined barbering with Barbara, the love of his life, whom he fittingly met at a Packers game. Their love story took off from there, and they were married on June 21, 1969. A few years later, they started their family; first welcoming their son, Kevin, and then their daughter, Michelle. Eight months after Michelle was born, Barbara and John moved to Greendale, where they found their forever home, a place where happiness and warmth were constants, neighbors felt like family, and every visitor felt welcome. Together, they joined St. Alphonsus Parish, where John enjoyed attending mass and watching his wife share her gifts through singing and playing the piano for the church services.
Not long after moving to Greendale, John purchased The Barber in Southridge Mall and poured his heart into building a thriving business. He often worked 70 hours a week, always putting customer service first and taking great pride in caring for every person who walked through the door. Through his hard work, sacrifice, and steady devotion, he and Barbara were able to give Kevin and Michelle the opportunity for faith-based schooling and college. Yet no matter how full his days were, John still made time to coach his son’s football, basketball, and baseball teams, showing the same love, encouragement, and dedication at home that he gave to his work.
In 2009, John passed his business on to his longtime employee and dear friend, but never truly stepped away from the work and people he loved. For John, part time first meant “only” 40 hours a week, and over the next 17 years gradually eased all the way down to 21(!)—remaining behind the chair and continuing what he loved most: spending time with his customers and friends, listening to their stories, learning new things, and then sharing that knowledge with others until the day he passed away. And of course, giving them the perfect haircut.
These chapters of John’s life helped shape the man he became, but they tell only part of the story. Those who knew and loved him will remember even more deeply the remarkable qualities that made him so special: how so many of his stories and retellings of the day began with a familiar “Ohhh boy” or “Ohhh gosh”, as if inviting you right into the moment with him; the way he remembered even the smallest comment made in passing and then quietly went out of his way to do something thoughtful because of it; the wink he sometimes gave in conversation that made you feel seen and special; the gentle and loving way he showed up for each of his grandchildren, reading to them, playing games with them, and holding them close in his chair; his gift for growing tomatoes so delicious that even people who didn’t like tomatoes loved his; the patience and care he devoted to nurturing his roses and vibrant flower garden; the delight he took in watching the birds in his backyard, always making sure they were well-fed while finding creative ways to keep the squirrels from stealing their share; the joy he found in watching Mollie B Polka Party on Saturday nights on RFD-TV and sharing it with family and friends; his well-known love for sweets and snacks, which he was always happiest to enjoy with someone else, especially when trying a new food spot he’d heard about from one of his customers; and perhaps most tenderly, the way he stood in the doorway each time you left, waving until you were out of sight.
Just as you always wanted us to stay longer, we all wished you could have stayed longer too. But now it’s our turn to stand in the doorway and wave to you… “Bye, now.”
Visitation will be held at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church (6060 W. Loomis Rd., Greendale) on Thursday, June 18th, from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m., with the Requiem Mass at 11:00 a.m. Private family burial at a later date.
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