Norbert A. Serocki

Norbert August Serocki, 96, of St. Joseph passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Corewell Health Merlin & Carolyn Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville.

A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 555 Delaware St., Benton Harbor. Visitation will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 16, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph with the Rosary recited at 7:30 p.m. Inurnment will take place privately in Calvary Cemetery, Benton Harbor.

Memorial contributions may be made to SS John & Bernard Parish. Those wishing to send a condolence online may do so at www.starks -menchinger.com.

Norbert was born on July 18, 1928, to August and Cecilia (Usdrowski) Serocki in Chicago. Growing up during the Great Depression, he developed a strong sense of resilience and resourcefulness that shaped his character throughout life. As a boy, he found joy in simple pleasures, riding his bike to the pier with a cane pole in hand, fishing and bringing his catch back home for dinner. He narrowly missed the draft by just 17 days.

After graduating from high school, Norbert went to work and eventually, at his mother's suggestion, applied for a job with Kemper Insurance. On June 2, 1956, he married the love of his life, Genevieve Agnes Fox; they shared nearly 60 years of marriage.

Norbert devoted 44 years at Kemper Insurance, where he gradually worked his way up to the role of officer and led the payroll department, regularly signing paychecks for 10,000 employees in the United States and Canada. Attending night school while working and raising a family, he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Northwestern University, laying the foundation for a long and accomplished career. He retired on July 1, 1993. He often spoke with pride and gratitude about his time at Kemper, where his work was a model of integrity and excellence. His career there not only provided professional fulfillment, but also influenced his personal life in deeply positive ways.

Above all, Norbert was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. His love for his family was evident in everything he did, and he was always generous with his time, talents and resources. A skilled woodworker, he crafted much of the furniture in the family home. In retirement, Norbert enjoyed canoeing, sailing his sailing canoe, traveling, and camping across the United States and Canada with Genevieve. They especially treasured the numerous trips that included their grandchildren.

Norbert is survived by his children: Joe (Georgette) Serocki of Ingleside, Ill., Peg (Bob) Pinkowski of Baroda, Julie Serocki of St. Joseph; grandchildren: Karen Serocki (Tanner Hart), Brian (Stephanie) Serocki, Becky (Jon) Lyman, Kim Serocki, Joe Pinkowski, Gen Pinkowski, Alex Pinkowski and Gus Pinkowski and great-grandchildren: Quentin and Damian Serocki.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Genevieve Serocki; parents: August and Cecilia Serocki and sister, Irene Udd.