Alfred "Al" Eric Cereske

Alfred “Al” Eric Cereske, Jr.
Saginaw, Michigan

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Alfred “Al” Eric Cereske, Jr. passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side on Thursday, July 31, 2025. He was 83 years old.

Al was born on November 14, 1941, in Detroit, Michigan, to the late Alfred E. and Frances M. (Maxham) Cereske. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, which remained the foundation of his life. He was a proud 1959 graduate of Michigan Lutheran Seminary (MLS). Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, honorably serving from 1959 to 1963 and achieving the rank of Airman Second Class. While on active duty, he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Susan Elaine Boehringer, on January 27, 1962. She survives him.

Al served as an Assistant Vice President and Trust Officer at Second National Bank, which later became Citizens Bank, and retired after many years of loyal and dedicated service. He later spent 10 years as a Planned Giving Counselor for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod before concluding his professional career. He attended Central Michigan University, where he received his certification in banking.

The role he cherished most in life was being a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a longtime, faithful member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, where he selflessly gave his time and talents. He also served as a board member of LACE (Lutheran Association for Church Extension) and the MLS Foundation. In addition, he volunteered thousands of hours driving bus and mowing lawns for his beloved alma mater. Whatever the church and MLS needed, Al gave, which was a true testament to his unwavering faith and dedication to his Lord and his kingdom.

He also served his community with dedication, volunteering countless hours with the Saginaw Rotary Club and the Saginaw Jaycees. His little piece of heaven was spending time at the cabin on Bellows Lake and fishing.

He will forever be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather; a faithful servant to his church and Lord; and someone who truly lived an amazing life filled with wonderful stories and lasting memories.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Susan Elaine Cereske of Saginaw; three sons: Thomas (Kim) Cereske of Saginaw, Dr. Kurt Cereske of Austin, TX, and Eric (Jen) Cereske of Gilbert, AZ; six grandchildren: Laurin Cereske, Hannah Cereske, Marisa (Marco) Afonso, Hailey Cereske and her fiancé, Anthony Silva, Nolan Cereske, and Adria Cereske. Also surviving are a sister-in-law, Diane Cereske; a brother-in-law, Bruce Hoerger; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Frances Cereske; two sisters, Frances (James) Pop and Mary Hoerger; and his brother, David Cereske.

A funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1020 Court St., Saginaw, MI 48602. Pastor David Naumann will officiate. Honoring his wishes, cremation will follow the service. Military Honors under the auspices of the U.S. Air Force and American Legion Post 22 will be presented at the church immediately following the service.

Friends are welcome to visit with the family at W. L. Case and Company Funeral Directors, 4480 Mackinaw Road, Saginaw, MI 48603, on Saturday from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m., and again at the church on Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express their sympathy may consider a memorial to St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, the Michigan Lutheran Seminary Foundation, or Christian Life Resources.

Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, at the church, or online at www.casefuneralhome.com.