Aloise "Al" Cherven

Aloise B. Cherven, 96, passed away at his home at Lake Margrethe on March 19, 2013. He was born in Roscommon, MI on June 7, 1916, the son of Andrew and Justine Glusak Cherven. Al was the oldest surviving graduate of Gerrish-Higgins High School in Roscommon (Class of 1933) He attended business school in Traverse City, MI and began his working career as a part-time clerk in the Roscommon Post office, retiring 37 years later as Postmaster. Al proudly served his country in the U.S. Army with Supreme Allied Forces in France and Germany, attaining the rank of Staff Sargent. Al worked under General Eisenhower and his staff as part of the Communication Corp. Al was one of seven charter members of the Roscommon Rotary Club. He served as President and was the bulletin editor for twenty-five consecutive years. Al built Cherven Lanes Bowling Alley in 1952 and was known state-wide to bowlers for his annual bowling tournament. He served on the Board of Directors of the Bowling Proprietors Association of Michigan. Al married the former Kathleen M. Kraus of Grayling. They made their home in Roscommon for many years where Kathleen operated the Village Shop, a women's clothing store. They spent many winters in New Smyrna Beach, FL. Al and Kathleen moved to Grayling following retirement. Together with his brother-in-law Emil Kraus, Al developed the Grayling Mall, and with brother-in-law William, the Margrethe Manor subdivision at Lake Margrethe. He served on the Board of Directors of the former Grayling State Bank. Al loved gardening, berry picking, sports, stamp collecting, and playing poker. He had a keen memory and had been interviewed by area newspapers, the Roscommon Area Historical Society, and Mercy Hospital. Al is survived by Kathleen, his wife of 65 years, and their four children: Dr. Philip Cherven and wife Susan of Wichita, KS; Constance Bucklew and husband Neil of Morgantown, WV, John Cherven of Grayling, MI, and Patrice Lockwood and husband Rodney of Birmingham, MI. Al was a cherished Grandpa to eight grandchildren: Allison, Leslie, George, Michael, Natalie, Mark, Philip, and Alexis, and seven great-grandchildren: Thomas, Peyton, Cade, Mitchell, Matthew, Krysta and Sienna. Al was the fifth of ten siblings, and is survived by his youngest sister, Frances Diss of Roscommon. He was preceeded in death by his parents, by brothers Francis, John, Edward, Andrew, and Michael, and by sisters Ann Friday, Pauline Mauer, and Justine Leonard. He enjoyed family reunions attended by nieces and nephews from around the country. Al will be missed by his many friends, young and old. Special friends were his poker buddies, his support team in Cardiac Rehabilitation at Grayling Mercy Hospital, and he and Kathleen's caregivers. The family wishes to thank the hospital staff and Mercy Hospice, and especially the many fine caregivers who were devoted to his care. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on March 23, 2013 with Rev. Robbie Deka officiating. Interment will be at Elmwood Cemetary later in Spring. Memorial contributions may be sent to Disabled American Veterans at: DAV Memorial Program In Honor of Aloise "Al" Cherven P.O. Box 14301 Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Aloise "Al" Cherven, please visit our flower store.