Fred J. Cernin

Fred J. Cernin obituary, Cedar Rapids, IA

Fred J. Cernin

Fred Cernin Obituary

Visit the Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Cedar Rapids website to view the full obituary.

Fred J. Cernin, 84, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Monday, September 22, 2025. A visitation will be held from 4:30 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids, with a vigil service beginning at 4 p.m. Funeral Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, September 26, 2025, at St. Jude Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids, with an additional visitation one hour prior. A private committal service will take place at a later date at St. John’s Cemetery in Cedar Rapids.

Fred was born on January 31, 1941, in Tama, Iowa, to Fred and Mary (Silhanek) Cernin. On November 9, 1968, he married Julie Kay Larson in Cedar Rapids. Over the course of 48 years, Fred worked at Collins Radio, Fred’s APCO Gas Station, Churchill Trucklines, and Consolidated Freightways. After retiring, he continued working as a bus driver for the Cedar Rapids Community School District until 2020. He was a member of the Teamsters Local 238 and an active volunteer at St. Jude Catholic Church, especially helping at the Sweet Corn Festival, serving on the Building and Grounds Committee, and acting as an usher. Fred loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and granddogs. Known as the “Mayor of 32nd Street,” he lived and breathed to help his neighbors, particularly those in need. Fred also enjoyed walking and woodworking.

Surviving are his children, Tim (Becky) Cernin, Andy Cernin and Stacy Cernin; grandchildren, Taylor Cernin and Colin Cernin; sister-in-law, Shirley Cernin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his wife of 56 years, Julie; parents; brother, Richard; sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Melvin Ledvina; brother and sister-in-law, Wynn and Joan Martz; great-niece, Micaela Townsend; and nephew, Pat Rupp.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and staff of RidgeView Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, or St. Croix Hospice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service - Cedar Rapids

520 Wilson Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404

How to support Fred's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Fred Cernin's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more