Raymond Charles “Ray” Cerny
June 17th, 1932 - December 20th, 2021
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Ray's Obituary
Ray was born on June 17, 1932, in Chicago to Edward & Anna (Knize) Cerny. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1950. He was a member of the FFA and received the DEKALB Agricultural Accomplishment Award in 1950 and the FFA State Farms Award in 1951. From 1953 until 1955, Ray proudly served his country by joining the United States Army. On April 19, 1958, Ray married the love of his life, Marla Newton. He worked at Watervliet Paper Company for ten years and would relocate to Whirlpool Corp., where he worked as a model maker for 20 years, retiring in 1989. However, no matter where he was employed at, he never gave up working on his family farm with his twin brother, Bob, which they operated for over 60 years. Ray was an avid woodworker; crafting much of the furniture in his family home. His church mission was making and giving away his many religious items, which are scattered all over the country. He shared his talents with other by teaching 4-H Woodworking, where he would later receive a 5-year award. He and his brother Bob, were honored to be able to sponsor an annual 4-H scholarship.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Marla; children, Debora (Dennis) Bachman of Millburg and David (fiancé, Christine Cates) of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Rebecca (David) Mercado, Miranda (Tom) Cuatt and Tyler Cerny; great-grandchildren, Benjamin & Kayleigh Mercado; sister-in-law, Elaine Cerny; and many other nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Edward, Richard and Robert; daughter, Brenda Cerny; and step-sister, Caroline Goldner.
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Service Details
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Service
When
December 27th, 2021 11:00am
Where
St. Paul's United Church of Christ - Bainbridge
Address
1650 N. Bainbridge Center Rd.
Watervliet , Michigan 49098