Edmund John "Ed" Cunningham Jr.

Edmund "Ed" John Cunningham Jr., age 94, of Saginaw, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at Candlestone Assisted Living, in Midland, Michigan.

He was born on January 14, 1932, to Edmund and MaryAnn Cunningham Sr., in Van Dyke, Michigan.

Ed enlisted into the United States Navy at the age of 20 and served during the Korean War. He often spoke of playing in the US Navy Band for Dwight D. Eisenhower's inauguration parade, in 1953. He married Marcile E. Smith on June 24, 1961 in Warren, Michigan, and she preceded him in death on July 22, 2023.

Ed had a passion and love for music that followed him his whole life. At a young age, out of high school, he worked at the Dodge pickup truck plant for several years until Marcile convinced him to attend college and obtain a music degree. He graduated from Central Michigan University and began his teaching career as a band and vocal music teacher. He taught at Gladwin and Farwell public schools and eventually Mid-Michigan Community College. He was a member of many local music groups in Mid-Michigan, including Midland Symphony Orchestra, Tri City Trumpets, Saginaw Eddy Band, Midland and Bay City Concert Bands, just to name a few. He was also a vocalist in Men of Music for several years in Midland and was the church choir director for years at several local Saginaw churches. Ed was also a dedicated Mason for over 50 years, earning Lifetime Member status and achieving the 32nd degree. He was the music director for the choristers, which was a group of the Bay City Scottish Rite.

Ed is survived by his beloved children, Elizabeth (Jon) Herman and Edmund (Laura) Cunningham III; grandchildren, Rachel and Naomi Herman; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his six siblings and their parents.

Visitation will take place on Monday, April 6, 2026 from 4:00p.m. until 7:00p.m., at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Road, Saginaw, MI 48603. A masonic service will take place at 6:30p.m.

Visitation will continue from 10:00a.m., until the time of mass at 11:00a.m., at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 6400 McCarty Road, Saginaw, MI 48603, Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Rev. Fr. Suman Kondaveeti will officiate. Military honors will follow at the church.

Private burial will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly Michigan.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Corso Care Hospice, Attn: Tiffany Hager, 950 Corporate Office Drive, Suite 150, Milford, MI 48381.

For information, please contact Deisler Funeral Home, 989-799-1151. For online condolences, please visit. www.deislerfuneralhome.com.