Joyce Ann Cerecke

Joyce Ann Cerecke, 81, life-long resident of St. Joseph, passed away, Saturday, October 28, 2017 at Lakeland Medical Center, St. Joseph.  A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:30 A.M. Thursday, November 2, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Court & Market St., St. Joseph, with Rev. Michael Roth officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens.  Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10:30 A.M. Thursday at the Church.  Memorials in Joyce’s name may be made to Trinity Lutheran School.  Those wishing to sign Joyce’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.   Joyce was born July 31, 1936 in St. Joseph to Gottfried & Adeline (Radde) Cerecke. She graduated from St. Joseph High School, Class of 1954.  Joyce was active in women’s softball, playing with the traveling team until an injury forced her retirement. She was employed for many years as a clerk at F & M Bank in Benton Harbor, retiring after twenty-plus years.  Joyce was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and attended Lake Michigan College.  She enjoyed attending her great-nieces & nephew’s sporting activities and in her free time made stained glass light houses and enjoyed fishing.   Joyce is survived by nieces & nephews-Ruth (Wayne) Zech of Berrien Springs, Sue Fricke & Steven (Karyn) Fricke, both of St. Joseph, Carol Post of Coloma, Judy (George) Godush of Stevensville, Cindy Burgess; and numerous great-nieces & nephews including Ryan & Kyle Post. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Vera Fricke, her brother Charles Cerecke, & a nephew Rick Cerecke.