Frank B. Serles, age 87, of Friendship, Wisconsin passed March 3, 2011 at the Moundview Memorial Hospital & Clinics in Friendship, Wisconsin.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 11, 2011 at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Friendship, Wisconsin. Father James P. McNamee will officiate. Interment will be at the Mt. Repose Cemetery, Friendship, Wisconsin. Military Honors will be presented at the cemetery.
Friends may call at the church on Friday, March 11th from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass.
Frank was born March 3, 1924 in Plainfield, Wisconsin to John and Verle Serles. He graduated from Plainfield High School and then joined the United States Marines in 1941 where he served in the Pacific Theater. Frank married Lily M. Kulmatycki on November 14, 1946 in Adams, Wisconsin.
He became Sheriff in 1954 and proudly served Adams County for fourteen years along with his wife Lily. Frank worked for Adams Marquette Electric Company in 1969 until His retirement. Frank and Lily purchased the Friendship Hotel & Bar in 1974 and ran it successfully until selling the business in 1986.
Frank was a 3rd Degree Member of the Knights of Columbus and the AdamsVFW Post # 6279.
In his younger years he enjoyed racing stock cars. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed hunting, fishing and supported all Wisconsin Sports Teams. Frank especially loved to spend time with his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his Parents, John & Verle Serles; Son, Randy Serles & Grandson, Timothy Fuller.
Survivors:
Wife: Lily Serles of Friendship, Wisconsin
Daughter: Cheryl (Randy Cass) Fuller of Friendship, Wisconsin
Son: John (Deena) Serles of Friendship, Wisconsin
Grandson: Ronald (Cassandra) Serles of Friendship, Wisconsin
Grandson: Andrew (Lisa) Fuller of Marshfield, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Julie (Alan) Babcock of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Jessica (Keith) Bork of Grand Marsh, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Tasha Higgins of Friendship, Wisconsin
Granddaughter: Tawny Serles of Friendship, Wisconsin
Sister: Catherine (William) Floyd of Virginia
Sister in Law: Anne Fasel of Friendship, Wisconsin
Further survived by 17 Great Grandchildren and many Nieces, Nephews, Relatives & Friends
my heartfelt condolences go out to you, and the rest of family at this sad time, you will be truely missed Frank. My prayers and thoughts are with Lil, Johnny and Ronnie as they get through this.
Dear Lil, John & Family, My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Heartfelt condolences to Franks family at this very sad time. Many fond and fun years were spent at Big Flats with Ed, Elaine, Frank and Pud.
Many changes have taken place, but the remembrance of all our good times will always remain. Im sure I speak for all the Bakovka and Rathermel families. God Bless.
We were so sad to hear about Frank. He and Erv were Marines to the core.
Our deepest condolences.
Dear Lil, John and family….I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Frank. Our prayers go out to you all……
LIL AND FAMILY, I AM SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT FRANK. I MISSED THE FUNERAL BECAUSE I WAS IN TEXAS. OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH HIM.
FRANK MATRICK
Cherie,I was so sorry to learn of your dads passing. Both of our dads were self made men, they worked hard all of their lives and now they rest in the hand of God.May your memories give you comfort in the days ahead. Thinking of you at this time. Peggy(Joyce)Connell
sorry to here about frank …my thoughts and prayers are with you
So sorry to hear about your loss. What a wonderful long life he had. My father Glen talked of him quite often.
May you find peace knowing Frank is with our
Heavenly Father and his
family. Our thoughts and
pprayers go out to you
all.
Our deepest sympathy go to you and yours on the passing of Frank. HE will sadly be missed by one and all.
special note from Kelsey, I will miss u grandpa :'(
Lil, Cheri and John, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. I am so saddened to hear about your loss. Frank was such a wonderful and caring man. He touched so many lives and his spirit will live on. I will never forget POPPY.
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Frank was a great man. I have many great memories and he will be deeply missed. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Very sorry to hear the news. Frank was a good man. To John and the rest of the Serles family my deepest sympathies.
It has been many years since I have seen Frank or Lil, but I remember many great times at the HOT L in Friendship.I moved away in 1984 but met many friends. They ran a great establishment. My condolences to the family.
Dear Lil,Cherie and John. It is with great sorrow I send this message. Frank was a great man and our family loved him dearly as well as you all. I saw Frank last summer and thought he looked frail and asked how he was and as Frank has always been he said "I am doing OK how is your Dad and Mom". Frank never drew attention to him self no matter how things were. We will truly will miss him, but I believe he is in a better place. Lil I am sorry for the loses you have had to endure in the past months. I wish I could be there to convoy this personally but I can not, I hope you understand, I am stuck with family responsibilities that make it vitally impossible to fly home and attend the services. All I can do is write you is and tell you our prayers will be for you, Cherie and John. I think I know how hard this is for you, I am sure I will be experiencing your grief in the not to distance future. This is a hard time for all of us, Frank was a Great human being and has left me with many fond memories. I have been in your family for well over fifty years, the good times and the bad. I say this with true love, I share your feelings. Lee
As a former Deputy of Adams County from 1975 to 1984 I heard nothing but good things about Frank as Sherrif. Lil I am so sorry for your loss. Jim Fitzsimmons
It was good to know him,our prayers are with youall
Lil and family, so sorry to read of Franks passing.He was my little league coach and confirmation sponsor.My Dad did a lot to get Frank and Lil elected and re-elected as Sheriff.Im glad I got to thank him at Randy’s funeral for all he did for me.
I am so very sorry on your lose of Frank. He and Lil served me up many a beer at the Hotel bar. Wonderful man.
A lifetime well done my good Friend
Lil & Family, Please except my condolences for your loss. Frank was a good man. Evie Johnston (York)
My Most sincere SYMPATHY goes out to you LIL and Families. Frank was the apple of my parents (Windy & Zella) eye. As not having any boys in their family. My parents were always proud of your accomplishments and being the sheriff of ADAMS County. May God Bless each of you… Sharon Allison Laporte
So sorry for your loss,we will miss Frank alot what a wonderful man!
lil and family frank will be missed by many. he was suck a great man and one i always looked up to. he always had a good story when he stopped in the office. hold his memories close during this dark time. he was an icon in our community. he will be sadly missed sorry for your loss
You were a ‘DAMM" nice guy,Frank.Will be missed my condolences to Lil/family
It was a very sad day when Frank Serles passed.He made us all feel like family.My condolences to the Serles family.
I’m so sorry,Frank will be missed greatly.He always had a comment along with a smile remembering something about you.I would always look to see if I could see him or Lil when I came to the corner.Great memories!My deepest sympathy to all.
Our hearts are with your family.We were proud to call you friend.Love you all very much
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers!With our deepest sympathy. Kurt & Katie Wagner
It’s very saddening to hear of Frank’s passing. I moved to Adams in 1980 and I have never known this town without the name of Frank Serles. We will all miss his wonderful, positive personality and seeing his smiling face.
We share in the family’s loss of a very special friend.
Irene Rathermel and family
The community loss a great man with the passisng of frank he will be deeply misses R.I.P
Lil no two people ever served Adams County’s people better then Frank & Lil Serles, and few near as well. Goodby old friend.
We are so sorry to learn of your loss and the community’s loss. Martin and Frank were friends and had great times joking with each other as well as discussing serious health concerns. The first time I remember seeing Frank was in the 1960’s during a parade, and there he came riding on his horse, smiling and waving to everyone. He was special and we will miss him.
I have known, repected and considered Frank a friend since I was in High School and first got to know him. It hurt to see him suffer the last few years.
Lil,Cheri, John and Family, So sorry to hear about Frank always had a smile on his face and a hello to everyone. He will be missed if you need anything please feel free to call..
Frank did me a great favor when I was an 18 year old kid. I will never forget him. My condolences to the Serles family
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Frank was one of the nicest guys I knew and he will be deeply missed by many
You all are in our thoughts and prayers
Our hearts are with your family. We were proud to call you friend. Love you all very much
Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers! With our deepest sympathy.
A card and flowers are a kind gesture, but words of remembrance speak of true feelings about Frank…and even they fail to say how important this man was to more people than can be named here. Lil and family, our deepest sympathies
Lil and family, I am so sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. He was an awesome guy! May you have peace in your hearts at this most difficult time.
Dear Lil, John, Cheri and families, Our sympathy to you all. You are in our thoughts.
A lifetime well done my good Friend
Lil & Family, Please except my condolences for your loss. Frank was a good man.
To the Serles family, I am so sorry for the loss of Frank. He was such a wonderful man and everytime I seen him he had a smile on his face. I am so sorry again for your loss and may God be with you and your family at this time in need. Love Tammy, Michael, and Joseph Pieper
My Most sincere SYMPATHY goes out to you LIL and Families. Frank was the apple of my parents (Windy & Zella) eye. As not having any boys in their family. My parents were always proud of your accomplishments and being the sheriff of ADAMS County. May God Bless each of you.
Lil,our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Frank was a great person. Friendship, WI is not going to be the same without Frank.
To all the family members…I AM SO VERY SORRY…The whole county and state lost someone great. Frank has always been first class in every way. Your all in my heart and prayers. God Bless you all.
Lil, Chery, John, Sorry to hear that Frank has passed. He was an Adams county Icon. You should all be very proud of him. My condolences.
So sorry for your loss,we will miss Frank a lot – what a wonderful man!
Lil and family, Frank will be missed by many. He was such a great man and one I always looked up to. He always had a good story when he stopped in the office. Hold his memories close during this dark time. He was an icon in our community. He will be sadly missed, sorry for your loss.
You were a ‘DAMM" nice guy,Frank. Will be missed my condolences to Lil/family
Lil and family Sorry to hear of Franks passing, He will be missed. He always had a smile and A good word to say. God bless all of your family
It was a very sad day when Frank Serles passed. He made us all feel like family. My condolences to the Serles family.
Lil and family, We are so sorry to hear about Frank. He was a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God comfort you all at this time.
I’m so sorry, Frank will be missed greatly. He always had a comment along with a smile remembering something about you. I would always look to see if I could see him or Lil when I came to the corner. Great memories! My deepest sympathy to all.
Lil and Familly, My thoughts and prayers are with you. What a great guy. Always a big part of my early life. God bless him!
My deepest sympathy to all of you. Frank was a great man. I have many great memories and he will be deeply missed. My love to all of you.
MY PRAYERS AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH ALL OF FRANK’S FAMILY. HE WAS A MAN THAT ALWAYS HAD A STORY AND A SMILE FOR EVERYONE. HE WILL BE MISSED.
I will deeply miss seeing Frank’s smile and kind words he was a great man with a big loving heart. Hugs and Kisses to Lil, Johnny and the rest of the family. I always felt like family with you all. May God help you through this difficult time.
Our prayers are with you all,,,and please Frank, say hello to my Dad.
Our sincere condolences go out to your family. Frank will be missed very much. He was a kind man that always had a good word and smile to all those he met. He will be missed.
It has been many years since I have seen Frank or Lil, but I remember many great times at the HOT L in Friendship. I moved away in 1984 but met many friends. They ran a great establishment. My condolences to the family.
A great man has gone to heaven and will be missed by many.
I am so sorry for your loss, just know that he is in a better place now. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Our condolences to the Serles family. Franks was a wonderful man and will be missed by many, you couldn’t grow up in Adams without knowing who Frank & Lil were. I have so many memories of you both and of fun times at the Hotel. Ken has great memories of Frank from his ACEC days as well. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
To the Family of Frank Serles. There’s little we can do or say right now please know that our hearts and thoughts are with each and everyone of you in your time of sorrow. Frank was a great man and had a very nice smile he will be missed but never forgotten. Just remember he is with our Father now. And the greatest one at that.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Frank was one of the nicest guys I knew and he will be deeply missed by many
Dear Lil,Cherie and John. It is with great sorrow I send this message. Frank was a great man and our family loved him dearly as well as you all. I saw Frank last summer and thought he looked frail and asked how he was and as Frank has always been he said "I am doing OK how is your Dad and Mom". Frank never drew attention to him self no matter how things were. We will truly will miss him, but I believe he is in a better place. Lil I am sorry for the loses you have had to endure in the past months. I wish I could be there to convoy this personally but I can not, I hope you understand, I am stuck with family responsibilities that make it vitally impossible to fly home and attend the services. All I can do is write you is and tell you our prayers will be for you, Cherie and John. I think I know how hard this is for you, I am sure I will be experiencing your grief in the not to distance future. This is a hard time for all of us, Frank was a Great human being and has left me with many fond memories. I have been in your family for well over fifty years, the good times and the bad. I say this with true love, I share your feelings.
As a former Deputy of Adams County from 1975 to 1984 I heard nothing but good things about Frank as Sherrif. Lil I am so sorry for your loss.
So sad.
Lil and family, Frank was one of a kind!! He will be missed by all who knew him. Please remember that there are many people that love you and are there to help. May God bless you and keep you close.
It was good to know him,our prayers are with you all.
Lil and family, so sorry to read of Franks passing. He was my little league coach and confirmation sponsor. My Dad did a lot to get Frank and Lil elected and re-elected as Sheriff. I’m glad I got to thank him at Randy’s funeral for all he did for me.
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Serles. He was an amazing man and lived a full life. He was not only the kind of man people wanted to be, he was the kind of man people would be proud to be. I am sorry for the family’s loss.
I am so very sorry on your lose of Frank. He and Lil served me up many a beer at the Hotel bar. Wonderful man.
Frank was one of those people that the term "special" is so very inadequate. He was a friend, a mentor and someone that I truly respected. To have known him is to respect your loss.