Gern Sertick

1947 - 2024

Gern Sertick

August 13, 1947 - October 31, 2024

Prosperity, South Carolina - Gern Sertick

August 13, 1947 – October 31, 2024

Prosperity South Carolina (Lake Murray)

Gern Sertick, 77, died suddenly on October 31st, 2024 at his home on Lake Murray. In passing, as in life, his wife, Pam, was at his side.

Born in Limestone New York on August 13, 1947, to the late Peter Sertick and the late Wanda Sawa Sertick, he was predeceased by his brother, Peter Sertick.

Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Pam Battles Sertick; two daughters that he was immensely proud of, Danielle Sertick (Todd Martineau), and Christine Johnson (Josh); two nieces, Paula Sertick and Lisa Fargo; and nephew, Jon Sertick.

Gern graduated from Limestone High School in upstate New York as a Regents Scholar in 1965 where he not only excelled in academics, but in sports as well. He was quarterback of the Limestone High School 6-man football state championship team. In addition to playing high school baseball and basketball, he held the Limestone High School Pole Vault record only to be broken when fiberglass poles were later introduced. Gern then attended Niagara University.

In September of 1966, he was called to duty to serve his country. Along with his lifelong best friend, George Speedy, they joined the United States Marine Corps. They joined on the "buddy plan" so they could be together. In boot camp Gern was asked to try out for the Marine Corps Band as he was an excellent trumpet player. He declined the opportunity in order to honor his commitment to George that they would serve together. He did get to use his trumpet skills during service as he was often called upon to play Taps at military funerals.

Gern and George served in Vietnam from March of 1967 to April of 1968. Gern qualified as a USMC expert marksman, and he was a 60 MM man. His service was with the Second Battalion Fifth Marines in the Da Nang area during the TET Offensive, and he received a Purple Heart. Returning home, Gern worked in the automobile business in upstate New York.

Pam and Gern were married in 1972, and in 1985 they made the courageous decision (with 3- and 6-year-old daughters in tow) to move south to experience better year-round climate, better opportunities to raise their family, and more opportunities for Gern to pursue his love of hunting, fishing and golf. George Speedy had settled in Camden, SC, after graduating from Law School at the University of South Carolina, so Columbia turned out to be the location they would settle to be near George.

First supporting his family by wholesaling automobiles, then entering the residential real estate business in 1985, he began his successful real estate career with Russell and Jeffcoat for 21 years in sales and management. In 2006, he accepted a sales manager position with RE/MAX where he worked until his recent retirement. An outstanding Realtor, friend and confidant to many in the business, he made numerous lifelong friends along the way.

Golf was a favorite pastime, and his name can be found on several club championship trophies at his home course of Columbia Country Club. Talented mechanically, he liked to say, "I can fix anything but a broken heart". He enjoyed finding quality items whether it be a pair of binoculars, a gun, a fishing rod and reel, a boat, a motorcycle, or an automobile. Many of these items he would keep and use, and many he would sell again for a profit.

His greatest pleasures were spending time and enjoying a cocktail with his family and friends.

A gathering to celebrate Gern's life will be from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM, Friday, Novemeber 8, 2024, at Whitaker Funeral Home in Newberry, SC, 1704 College Street, Newberry, SC 29108.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the local office for Disabled American Veterans on Garners Ferry Road in Columbia, SC. They can be reached at (803) 776-4000 for additional information.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Gern Sertick.