Joseph Leonard Serbus, Sr.

Joseph Leonard Serbus, Sr., age 87, of Milaca, died Sunday, February 16, 2020 at his home in Milaca with his family by his side.  Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at 1 PM at St. Louis Catholic Church in Foreston.  Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Wednesday.

Joseph L. Serbus, Sr. was born August 8, 1932 on the family farm in Henryville Township, Renville County, MN, to John and Mary (Hosek) Serbus.  He was baptized, made his first communion and was confirmed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Bechyn, MN.  He attended District 12 country school near his home and later graduated from Danube High School in 1950.  Joseph graduated from the Minnesota School of Business in 1952 with a degree in bookkeeping.  He worked for Briggs Power Equipment and Jeffco Power Systems in Minneapolis for many years.  He moved to Foreston, MN and owned a campground.  He finally moved to Milaca were Joseph worked for Gorecki Manufacturing as truck driver until his retirement in 1996.

Jospeh married Gloria Jean Wacek on November 17, 1962 at St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Olivia, MN.  He enjoyed listening to old time music, playing the harmonica, woodworking, gardening, being outdoors, camping and fixing small engines.  He loved spending time with his family and playing Chicken Foot and Rummi Cube with his grandchildren.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Gloria;  seven children, Dawn Vant Hof of Spring Lake Park, Steve Serbus of Aitkin, Regina (Charles) Stewart of Elk River, Audra (Jim) Brewer of Milaca, Vaneta Olson (son-in-law, Jerry Olson – deceased) of Isle and son, Matthew Serbus of Milaca;  five grandchildren;  seven great-grandchildren;  sister, Veronica (Donald) Frank of Redwood Falls;  also by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents;  son, Joseph, Jr.;  brothers, Harold, John, Gilbert, Clarence and Francis Serbus;  sisters, infant Barbara Jane Serbus, Mildred Hagen and Mary Ann Schmoll.