Charles A. Cerecke

Charles A. Cerecke, 75, of Punta Gorda peacefully passed away June 30, 2005. He was born December 26, 1929 in St. Joseph, MI to the late Gottfried and Lena (Radde) Cerecke. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1947 and was inducted into the St. Joseph High School Hall of Fame. Charles moved from St. Joseph to the Punta Gorda area in 1992, after wintering there since 1985. Charles served in the Air Force and was an All-star playing Football for the All Service Football team. He also played football at University of Michigan when they were Big 10 Champs in 1949. Charles was the retired owner of Certified Metal Finishing in Benton Harbor, MI. He was a member and past President of the Lions Club, the Exchange Club and was a member of Berrien Hills Country Club, as well as St. Andrews Country Club. He attended Burnt Store Presbyterian Church and Faith Lutheran Church. Charles will be greatly missed by his wife of 52 years, Faye (Woodcock) Cerecke; daughters Judith (George) Godush of Stevensville, MI and Cynthia (Michael) Burgess of Marysville, MI; son Richard (Lacinda) Cerecke of St. Joseph, MI; sister Joyce Cerecke of St. Joseph, MI; six grandchildren?Jason (Marie) Godush, Jami (William) Richardson, Sarah (Derek) Bober, Brandon (Marianna) Cerecke, Jeanna & Alexandria Burgess; two great-grandchildren?Hannah & William Richardson. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Vera Fricke. Friends may call from 4:00 to 7:00 PM Monday, July 4th, 2005 at Kerley-Starks & Menchinger Family Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday at the funeral home with Rev. Winston Decker officiating. Burial and Veteran?s Service will follow at Riverview Cemetery in St. Joseph. The family requests memorials be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation, 3201 W. Commercial Blvd .,Ste. 128, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33309. To express condolences to the family, please visit www.starks-menchinger.com and sign the guestbook.Chuck was loved by all who knew him. His kindness and love of life was reflected in all that he did. His strong commitment to the Lord guided his life; whether it be family, church or business. He leaves us with that legacy. Heaven is our home! ?I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.? II Timothy 4:7