Cherry Ann Preis

Cherry Ann Preis, 79, of Niles, Michigan, died peacefully Monday April 20, 2026 in the comfort of her family’s presence.

Her life began July 7, 1946 in Watervliet, Michigan the youngest of three children born to Anthony and Nelly Smyrski. She married Stephen Preis January 31, 1976 in Dowagiac, Michigan.

Cherry’s nursing career began in 1967 upon graduating from Southwestern Michigan College, where she was secretary of her graduating class. Tending to the elderly was Cherry’s calling in life. She enjoyed helping others and listening to their many stories. She owned and operated an adult foster care for twenty-six years. Cherry had a big heart and love for animals. She owned Alpacas, enjoyed bird watching, and anything that involved nature. She had a passion for cooking and collecting over twenty-five hundred cookbooks.

Cherry will be greatly missed by family and friends. She is survived by her husband, Stephen Preis of Niles. She was preceded in death by her parents and daughter, Karri Preis.

The family will observe a private remembrance.

The family prefers contributions in memory of Cherry be made to Guiding Eyes of America, 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, New York 10598 or through the following link: guidingeyes.org.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.