JOSEPH LEO SERRES

Joseph Leo Serres age 89, of Brownsville, died peacefully on Sunday, February 14, 2016. Joe was born August 19, 1926, in La Crosse, WI to Joseph and Anna (Stephen) Serres. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1944-1947. He joined at the age of 17, his dad had to sign the papers to give him permission to do so. He was Carpenters Mate 3rd Class, and was in the Scouts and Raiders. He had duty on a mine sweeper after the war. He completed a trip around the world bringing soldiers home. Joseph married Betty J. Heiller on June 16, 1950. Joe was a jack of all trades, including jobs at Coca Cola, Pinkerton, Trane Company and Central States Warehouse. He was owner/operator of the Sandbar Marina, Serres DX and Serres Trucking in Brownsville. He was a member of Leidel's American Legion Post # 595, Brownsville VFW Post # 6801; he served 29 years on the Brownsville City Council and 20 years on the fire department of which he also served as Chief. He was a life long member of St. Patrick's Parish, Brownsville. Joe is survived by his wife, Betty, 7 children: Connie (Dean) Myhre, Kevin (Erica Douglas) Timothy (Mary), Kerry (Ken) Schaller, Steven (Tina), Kelly (Wayne) Petersen, Kate Serres; 22 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; one brother, Tom (Delores) Serres; sisters in law, Rose Serres and Doris Mitchell; and many nieces and nephews. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and brother in law, Delores and George Malotke; and a brother, Ronald Serres. Joe was a very special and patient person who touched many people in his 89 years. DAY IS DONE...GONE THE SUN...FROM THE LAKE, FROM THE HILLS, FROM THE SKIES. ALL IS WELL...SAFELY REST. GOD IS NIGH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am, Thursday, Feb. 18th, at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Brownsville. Father Pratap Reddy Salibindla will officiate and burial will be in the Veteran's Cemetery, Brownsville. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 pm Wednesday at the church's Breza Hall, where a prayer service will be held at 7 pm. Visitation will also be one hour prior to the service on Thursday. McCormick Funeral Home, Caledonia is assisting the family.

JOSEPH LEO SERRES

August 19, 1926 - February 14, 2016