Cherne, Anthony L. age 98, of Minneapolis, peacefully passed away at the Minnesota Masonic Home in Bloomington on February 22. Preceded in death by longtime companion Doris Engdahl, sister Gloria Hogan, and brothers Howard, Albert, and Lloyd. Survived by brothers Harold and Russell and 14 nieces and nephews. The eldest of the seven children, Tony was born to Emily (Cugnet) and Anthony G. Cherne on April 14, 1916 at their farm in Warroad, MN and grew up in Buhl, MN. Graduated from Buhl High School in 1932 and then began work with his father's mechanical contracting firm, Cherne-Carlson Company, in Ironwood, MI (now Cherne Contracting, Eden Prairie, MN). Earned Master Plumber and Heating licenses, and moved to Burlington, IA in 1940 as an assistant superintendent over-seeing mechanical installations for an ordnance plant. In 1942, he joined Reuben L. Anderson Co., a mechanical contractor based in St. Paul, MN, working as a superintendent on projects in Nebraska, Minnesota, and Arizona, became vice president and partner in 1946 and president in 1960, with the firm then known as Reuben L. Anderson - Cherne. Tony oversaw projects coast to coast, including local notable projects such as the main terminal Minneapolis airport, General Mills headquarters, and the original Southdale Mall. The company was commonly referred to as the "White House Plumber" having performed the mechanical work when the White House was renovated in the early 1950s. Tony retired in 1992 and the company discontinued operations. Tony was an active member of the Mechanical Contractors Association of America serving as its president from 1966 to 1967 and receiving its "Distinguished Service Award" in 1970. Tony was the developer and president of 3540 James Avenue South, a co-op apartment complex in Minneapolis, where he maintained his residence until 2014. He was a member of Interlachen Country Club, Town and Country Club, St. Paul Athletic Club, the Minneapolis Club, and World Presidents Organization. Tony's family would like to thank the Masonic Home staff for the wonderful care they provided Tony over the last two and a half years. Visitation Monday, March 2, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Tuesday March 3, 10:00 AM with memorial service at 11:00 AM: Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 5000 West 50th Street Edina, MN (952) 920-3996 Washburn-McReavy.com Burial will be at the Cherne-Cugnet family cemetery in Warroad, MN at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery 4544 4th Ave. So. Minneapolis, MN 55419.