Obit: Serocki, James N. #2 (1926 - 2016)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Serocki, Piechowski, Homan, Slowiak, Briski, Wilson, Milas, Pogodzinski, Johnson, Anderson, Groth, Klesmit, Karow, Szemraj, Meyer, Lepak, Kane, Lynett, Western, Palmer, Heck, Hammersten

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 11/16/2016

Serocki, James Nicholas (28 March 1926 – 8 November 2016) With Flag

James N. Serocki, age 90, of Thorp passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 8, 2016, at the Clark County Rehabilitation and Living Center with the love and support of his family. Visitation was held on Friday evening, November 11, 2016, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Thorp Funeral Home, 110 W. School Street, Thorp. The Mass of Christian Burial was held at S. Bernard-St. Hedwig Church, 109 N. Church Street in Thorp at 10:30 a.m. with visitation at the church that morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Inurnment at St. Bernard’s Cemetery, in Thorp, followed the Mass. Lunch was served afterwards in the church basement. Pallbearers were his grandsons: Eric Serocki, Brian Briski, Nate Briski, Brandon Wilson, Nick Wilson, Shawn Anderson, Travis Serocki, Andy Serocki, Jeremy Serocki, Charlie Pogodzinski, Dillon Serocki and Trevor Serocki.

James Nicholas Serocki was born on March 26, 1926, in Beardsley, Minnesota to Frank John and Caroline Josephine (nee Piechowski) Serocki. James attended school in Beardsley, Minnesota. He proudly served in the Minnesota National Guard from 1948 to 1950. James married the love of his life, Bernice C. Homan, on June 21, 1949, at St. Anthony’s Church in Browns Valley, Minnesota. They farmed in Beardsley, Minnesota until August of 1961 when they packed up their family and moved to a dairy farm south of Thorp in the Town of Reseburg where they joined the only family they knew in Wisconsin, Jim’s sister Mary & Don Palmer. The families enjoyed many years of camaraderie and bonding. Jim and Bernice operated the family farm until January 1995, when Bernice passed away after 45 years of marriage.

Jim was a hard-working, fun-loving man. He loved to socialize with family and neighbors. He and Bernice bowled on a mixed doubles league for many years, gathered for dirty-clubs’ tournaments on a regular basis, and were active members of the Rock Dam Rod & Gus Club. Having only retired from it a few years ago, one of his favorite pastimes was shooting pool with the guys on league night. Jim was a member of the Holy Name Society and the Knights of Columbus.

After the passing of Bernice, Jim was lucky enough to find the second love of his life in soul-mate Marian Slowiak. They were married in their back yard, with all their children in attendance, on August 31, 1996. They enjoyed a wonderful trip to Branson and spent many happy hours tossing beanbags and spending time with all 18 of their children, numerous grandchildren, and several great-grandchildren. They enjoyed 20 years of marriage together.

He is survived by his spouse, Marian Slowiak of Thorp; nine children: Ronald Serocki of Greenwood, Linda (Duane) Briski of Greenwood, Mona (George) Wilson of Hayward, Marlene (Matt) Wilson of Owen, Denise (Wally) Milas of Thorp, Mark (Becky) Serocki of Thorp, Brenda (Ken) Pogodzinski of Withee, James, Jr. (Shelly) Serocki of Greenwood, and Michael (Stacy) Serocki of Greenwood. He is further survived by nineteen grandchildren, Eric Serocki, Emily (Richard) Johnson, Brian Briski, Nate Briski, Brandon (Alicia) Wilson, Nick (Andrea) Wilson, Shawn (Brittany) Anderson, Lacy (Paul) Groth, Jessica (Mark) Klesmit, Terri (Mark) Karow, Travis (Barby) Serocki, Andy Serocki, Jeremy Serocki, Katie (Jon) Szemraj, Charlie Pogodzinski, Dillon Serocki, Trevor Serocki, Rachel Serocki, and Megan Serocki; and 18 great-grandchildren, his sister, Theresa Meyer of Fargo, ND, also survives.

He is also survived, by eight step-children, Carl (Jill) Slowiak of Colfax, Kathy Lepak of Stevens Point, Jerry (Zandi) Slowiak of Eau Claire, Dan (Renee) Slowiak of Thorp, Mary (Rick) Kane of Minneapolis, Susan Lynett of Eau Claire, Patsy (Mark Western of Cameron, and Ted (Julie) Slowiak of Hudson. He also leaves behind 18 step-grandchildren and 13 step-great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Bernice Serocki on January 16, 1995; a son, Thomas Lee Serocki on September 11, 2015; and one daughter, Beverly Serocki in infancy. He was further preceded in death by his brothers: Stanley Serocki, Paul Serocki, Ray Serocki, Larry Serocki, and Eugene Serocki; and sisters: Mary (Don) Palmer, Dorothy (Joe) Heck and Lucille (Elmer) Hammersten.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.  Thorp Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.