Martin F. Serences

Martin Fredrick Serences went to be with our Lord on November 17, 2025. He leaves behind the love of his life, his beloved wife, Sherry Serences, and her children: Jason Littleton, Christine (Alex) Trajkovski, Kimberly (Kevin) Marsh, Lisa Uzelac, and David (Ana) Uzelac, Jr. Martin is also survived by his biological children: Sherry (Steve) Newman, Kathy (Bob) Renier, Joseph (Rania) Serences, and Gina (Alfredo) Briseno. He was a proud grandfather to 29 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Martin is also survived by his sisters, Veronica (John) Zeitler and Frances Dybezynski. He was preceded in death by his mother, Agnes (née Poland) Zybird; stepfather, Rudolph Zybird; father, Martin Serences Sr.; brother, Joseph Serences; niece, Sara Fukala; and grandparents: Joseph and Marie Poland, and Martin and Theresa Serences. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Martin was raised in Chicago, Bayou Gauche, and New Orleans, Louisiana. He worked in the building trades as an ironworker and carpenter and was a longtime employee of First Metropolitan Builders in Gary, Indiana. Martin proudly served in the United States Air Force and Marines, fighting in the Vietnam War. One of the most humbling experiences of his life was being chosen to attend the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C., where he found his fallen comrades, Jerry M. Stone and Pedro A. Martinez, on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. Martin had a passion for visiting Destin, Florida, with his wife Sherry, where they shared many memorable adventures. He also loved going to Chicago to see plays and musicals and dining at the "Half Shell." He was a regular at the Flamingo in Miller and Redamak's in New Buffalo. Marty was a frequent patron of Mikey D's, Ben's, and He Ain't Here Lounge, where he enjoyed spending time with friends. Some of his fondest memories were at the Isaac Walton "The Ditch" Boat Club, where he shared great times with his lifelong friends Jeff and Sue Hall, and his departed best friends Dave (Beans) Boston and Otis Skaggs. Boating and fishing were among his greatest joys, and he loved to fish anywhere! Marty also took great pride in decorating for the holidays and cherished time spent with family and friends. He was known for his delicious gumbo, shrimp bordelaise, and deep-fried turkeys, especially at Thanksgiving and Super Bowl parties. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the following for their unwavering support and care: • Dr. Lionel Urdaneta, Lake Side VA • Dr. Stephen Noroha, Jessie Brown VA • Dr. Ivan Budsin, Jessie Brown VA • Dunes Hospice for their tender care, commitment, and dignity in his final days. • Chaplain Ryan Johnson, who guided him on his spiritual journey to be with our Lord in Heaven A heartfelt thank you goes to Marty's special friends who frequently visited: Christ Angelov, Mark Dacey, Bill Pender, and Gabriel Trejo. Your visits meant so much to him, and he looked forward to seeing you. Marty's most faithful companion and beloved pet, "Juanita," was also a great comfort to him. Marty was a wonderful stepfather to Jason, Christine, Kimberly, Lisa, and David Jr. He entered their lives 25 years ago and gave them love and happiness unconditionally, especially in the way he loved his grandchildren. They cherished hearing about his many life adventures. Marty was a true gentleman who loved with all of his heart. If he called you a friend, he meant it. His final wishes are that we trust in our Lord and continue to carry the love for one another, always. His favorite songs were "For Once in My Life" by Tony Bennett and "I Did It My Way" by Frank Sinatra. A fighting Marine until the end, he truly did it his way. Martin will live on in our hearts and memories. Semper Fi Services will take place at Burns Funeral Home & Crematory 701 East 7th Street Hobart, Indiana 46342. Visitation Friday, November 21, 2025, 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM, military honors will take place at 4:00 PM before the funeral service. Chaplain Ryan Johnson officiating. www.BurnsFuneral.com

Martin F. Serences

February 12, 1942 - November 17, 2025