BURLINGAME, Kan. – Tina Diane Chermak, 62, died in the early morning hours of Nov. 27, 2020, at her home in Burlingame, Kan. Tina was born to Roy and Leola Lansford on Feb. 14, 1958, in Anchorage, Alaska.

She graduated from high school in 1976 in Clay Center, Neb., and attended Cloud County Community College, graduating as a registered nurse in 1991.

Tina married Harry James Chermak, of Narka, Kan., on Aug. 5, 1977, in Clay Center, Neb. They later lived in various cities throughout Nebraska and Kansas, where they raised their three children, Lucas, Shannon, and Tracy.

Though her career mostly consisted of nursing, Tina’s real passion came in raising and breeding dogs. As an American Kennel Club certified breeder, she bred Maltese, Tsvetnaya Bolonkas and Chinese Crested. (And she had a name for every one of them).

In interacting with the animals, Tina realized that she, herself, was her own breed. She would never hesitate to tell you that while she may not have interacted with humans as well as others, she believed she had a gift to communicate with the animals, and could really tell what they were feeling. This gift was ever present, as her love for them was felt, and seen in every dog she bred. If you purchased a dog from Tina, you knew that they came from someone who truly felt connected with them.

Tina was preceded in death by her parents, and a sister who died at birth.

She is survived by her husband, Harry; son, Luke (Brandy) Chermak, of Port Orchard, Wash.; daughter, Shannon (Ricky) Cannon, Hoyt, Kan.; son, Tracy (Heidi) Chermak, Topeka, Kan.; nine grandchildren; sister, Jane; brother, Buster; and many extended family.

Arrangements and cremation are being handled by Lamb-Roberts-Price Funeral Home, Burlingame. Per Tina’s request, there will be no funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to a local no-kill animal shelter; see  www.nokillnetwork.org/d/Kansas/.