Richard C. Cerecke

Richard Charles Cerecke, 54 passed away peacefully at his home in St. Joseph, MI on Sept. 1, 2009. A celebration of his life will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 4, 2009 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 9193 Cleveland Ave., Baroda, MI officiated by Rev. Kenneth Babcock. Friends may call from 4 to 7p.m. Thursday at Starks & Menchinger Funeral Home 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph, MI. Memorials may be given to the Humane Society of SW Michigan or donor’s choice. Kindly share your thoughts and memories on the family’s online guest book at www.starks-menchinger.com. Rick was born on Jan 9, 1955 to Charles and Faye (Woodcock) Cerecke in St. Joseph. Rick graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1973 where he excelled at football and basketball. He attended Grand Valley State University until 1975, when he decided to fulfill his dreams of joining his father Chuck in business at Certified Metal Finishing (CMF) and starting a family with Lacinda, his wife of 31 years. He later went on to own CMF but not before venturing out on his own to start Ultra Seal, Inc. in 1987. His lifelong dream to continue the succession of father-son partnership was fulfilled when his son, Brandon joined the company in 1993. Brandon’s involvement in the leadership of the company ensured that his legacy will live on. All employees of Ultra Seal were looked at as family and he was very proud of the work his “guys” did. Rick found great happiness in his daughter Sarah’s “heart of gold.” He was very proud of her endeavors outside of the family business and one of his greatest accomplishments was walking Sarah down the isle on her wedding day. Rick’s diagnosis and progression of Multiple Sclerosis may have slowed his mobility over the years, but never took away his desire to make everyone happy. He took great pride in his home that became his paradise while relying solely on Eric Ott to carry out his vision. He was always willing to lend a hand to those in need of help and loved to end any conversation and shared stories with a smile. Rick’s pride and joy were his wife, children and his two granddaughters. He is survived by his wife Lacinda Cerecke of St. Joseph, daughter Sarah (Derek) Bober of New Hudson, MI; son Brandon (Marianna) Cerecke of Bridgman, MI; two granddaughters Kaydence Bober and Delaney Cerecke. Also surviving are his two sisters Cynthia (Mike) Burgess and Judy (George) Godush, his Aunt Joyce Cerecke, in-laws Ronald and Carol Bonczkowski, two sister-in-laws Julie (Ken) Sellers, Laurie (Tom) Ulmer, and many nieces and nephews. His love and devotion to all that knew and loved him will be greatly missed.