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Louis Serafin Obituary
Lakeport
Dr. Louis A. Serafin, Jr, age 67, of Lakeport, died unexpectedly on Saturday, April 4, 2015 in McLaren Port Huron Hospital. He was born in Detroit, Michigan to Valentine and Louis A. Serafin, Sr. in August 1947. He attended Roosevelt Military Academy for his high school years and graduated from St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa. He earned his M.D. in 1983 and worked in medical design and research. He married Martha L. Shaffer in July of 1977 in Rota, Spain where they both served in the United States Navy. He was a U. S. Naval Aviator, flying C-130's, P-3's and retired with the rank of Commander. He continued to serve our country as a Blue and Gold Officer, recruiting for the U. S. Naval Academy.
He is the President/CEO of Signal Medical Corporation and he holds several patents for his biocompatible designs of hips and knees for implantation. His exuberant, generous and fun loving personality endeared him to so many, especially his family, who cannot imagine life without his big smiles, crazy sayings and endless lists of projects. He loved being active by jet skiing, flying his vintage T28 airplane and especially by driving his tractor.
Louie is survived by his wife, Martha, 5 daughters; Melinda (Kevin) Finnie, Christina (Sava) Vrbaski, Amy Serafin, Kathleen (Daniel) Guzman, Abigail Serafin a son, Nicholas Serafin, and their exchange student, Mariana Mrad. He loved his four grandchildren; Vivian and Christian Finnie and Bodin and Oliver Louis Vrbaski.
A mass of Christian burial will take place at 10:00 am Friday in St. Edward on the Lake Catholic Church in Lakeport with the Rev Father Lee Acervo, officiating. A graveside committal service will follow in Lakeport Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 4-8 in the Smith Family Funeral Home-North, 1525 Hancock Street and at church on Friday beginning at 9 a.m. Memorials are suggested to the Woodland Developmental Center, 499 S Range Road, Marysville, MI 48040 or to the Wounded Warrior Project. www.smithfamilyfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Louis Serafin
Robert Reish
April 14, 2023
Aloha Louis, it was so good to know you during our C-130 initial training at Little Rock AFB. You and I were roommates and you always brought a smile to my face! I wish we could have remained in contact over the years as I often thought about you! Now you're on a new adventure and someday I'll join you... Yours, Robert Reish
Gary Burkemo
September 30, 2015
I am a past roommate with Louie at Roosevelt Military Academy. Louie was a great guy, I remember, all the times we had at RMA. We played football together and was on the drill team together. He will be missed
Kathy Peace
August 22, 2015
Just heard today of this tragic loss. My prayers are with all of you. He had the best laugh.
August 19, 2015
Louis and I attended St. Ambrose College, class of "69. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Blessings!
James Conroyd Martin
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August 19, 2015
Louis and I attended St. Ambrose, class of '69. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Blessings!
August 19, 2015
Louis and I studied at St. Ambrose, class of '69. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. Blessings!
Wayne and Cathy McMichael
April 29, 2015
Martha, Nick and girls. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. May you cherish the wonderful memories, Make each wonderful memory into a rose and make the biggest bouquet possible. On any given day remove and enjoy that memory. That bouquet is yours to keep forever and it can never be taken from. May God bless and comfort the entire family. Wayne and Cathy McMichael - Canada
John Herman
April 26, 2015
Martha and family,
We, as veterans are all a part of one big family, no matter what branch of service or in what capacity. Louis was as big as life and he will be missed. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Joan Stouppe
April 23, 2015
Martha and children,
Thank you for letting us know about Louie. We met him in Rota and can recall his antics and all the laughs we shared. He was born to bring cheer to all of our lives.
With love to all of you, Joan and Dave
Erika Hunt
April 14, 2015
To a man who set the bar for intelligence and integrity. He served as a role model for everyone he met. You will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Julie Ludington
April 13, 2015
Martha,my heart goes out to you and our family. I will miss Louie's banter and smart comments at the Vinomondo dinners. He will always hold a place in my heart. Love to you all
Tim Johnston
April 10, 2015
Louis was a very gracious and generous man. He will be greatly missed.
Prayers go out to his family
Flora & Milica
April 10, 2015
Dear Christina, Sava and Serafin family, we are very sadden to hear about your loss. We've heard many stories about how wonderful man he was and had the pleasure of meeting him. We are thinking about all of you. Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Barry & Cathy Mugridge Family
April 10, 2015
So sorry for your loss Martha & Serafin family. Louis will surely be missed, may he Rest in Peace.
Bonnie FRANCE
April 10, 2015
Dear Martha and girls and Nicholas,
Memories of so long ago in Rota at the oficers' club where neither of us was meant to be. And of Louie and his great big smile. I will pray for him and for all of you. Bonnie FRANCE
Ray and Mary Ann DIckinson
April 9, 2015
Martha and family.. our condolences to you and the family. He was such a good man. Remember many times of talking with him at Lakeport functions or when Mellissa would be over at your home. Our thoughts and prayers are going out to you and the family during this very difficult time.
Dan, Jill and Charley Dunkel
April 9, 2015
Louis will be greatly missed. Our love and prayers go with you all. The news of his loss was devastating. With love.
April 9, 2015
Our deepest sympathy in your loss and also the loss of all who knew Louie, RIP Louie.
Joe & Gerri Ballas
April 9, 2015
Dear Martha & family, We met you briefly when we visited our son Bob. He was living in your little house on your property. We remember how hospitable and fun you were. We send our condolences to all of you as we know how sorrowful this time can be when losing a wonderful husband, father and friend. God bless and keep you in his fold. Sincerely, Joe & Gerri Ballas
John Steichen
April 9, 2015
Dearest Serafin family,
For the short period of time knowing Louie, one quickly realized how much of a kind, caring, and loving person he truly was.
My deepest heart-felt condolences, thoughts, and prayers for your loss.
Patricia stevens
April 8, 2015
May God bless and guide your family through this most difficult time.
Karen Boucher
April 8, 2015
Dear Martha and Family,
Shocked and deeply saddened by Louie's passing. So unexpected. I will always remember seeing Louie with his great big smile and hug as he greeted me on occasion. I remember the fun we had at our family reunions, the dune buggy with the button starter, hanging on for dear life as he swept through the water and sand by Lake Huron. There were stories with belly laughs and just reminiscing the fun times we had as family. I will remember him as I pass Signal weekly on my way to work. I will keep you and everyone in prayer. May God be with you during this time of great loss.
April 8, 2015
Martha and family,
You all are in my thoughts and prayers at this so unexpected loss of your husband, dad, grandfather....and friend of many...
Terry (Martin) Schinkai
Marly Borovich
April 8, 2015
Serafin Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Having the privilege to grow up in the Serafin household, I have many fond and funny memories of Mr. Serafin. From tinkering around in the garage on Berry Drive with various machines, rides in the old Branco, goofy faces and jokes, to watching An Officer and a Gentleman (not without tears). He was a special man, and had a personality that will continue to shine and bring light to this world. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Donna Partipilo
April 8, 2015
Martha, my words can not begin to help relieve your sadness, please know though that you and your precious family are in our prayers..Louie was certainly one of a kind and will be missed by many...May you all achieve the peace He now has attained..Much love to you and the family, Frank and Donna Partipilo
Cheri Weingartz
April 8, 2015
Martha, So sorry to hear this sad news. We will keep you in our prayers.
John & Lorie Mathews
April 7, 2015
Martha, we are shocked and saddened by the news of Louie's passing. What a wonderful husband and father he was, we will never forget him, John and Lorie Mathews
Spencer Pupp
April 7, 2015
Dr. Serafin will be greatly missed. Every memory I have of him seems to make me laugh, because he was that kind of guy. He always put a smile on my family's faces, and he will be missed dearly. He was a great man, and a better comedian. To the Serafin family, you have my condolences.
April 7, 2015
I was sad to hear of Dr. Serafin's death today. I very much enjoyed working for him and will never forget his laugh.
John Klus
Dr Guy and Karen Pupp
April 7, 2015
Guy and I are so very sorry Martha and family . Our lives have been deeply touched by Louie . We will never forget his bright smile and his humor and all of his life lessons he taught our boys...of course some we can share, some maybe not so much, but that was the beauty of Louie !!!!
He was a true joy ! Peace to you and your family
Paul Wooley
April 7, 2015
We are deeply shocked by the news of the passing of Louis. He was a great friend and tremendous member of the original CiBOR Board. We will always be grateful for his advise and input for our research. We always looked forward to his great hospitality on our visits back to Michigan.
Dr Paul & Lory Wooley
gary callendar
April 7, 2015
Fair wind and following seas shipmate. Love and comfort to the Serafins. Gary Callendar
Michael Ploof
April 7, 2015
I was so saddened to hear about Louis' passing. I fondly remember working for Signal Medical as a college intern and greatly appreciated his support, guidance, humor, and incredible laugh! Unlike one of his favorite phrases, working for Louis never felt like "pushing a rope up a hill."
Ann Ulmer & Family
April 6, 2015
Dear Martha, Abbie and all your beautiful family,
May it bring you peace and some joy to know how many lives have been deeply touched
by Louie and his work, his life and the love he had for all of you. We are keeping you all in our hearts...
Schaedler Pupp
April 6, 2015
I am so shocked and saddened to hear about Dr. Serafin passing away. He was a excellent example of a man, father and patriot. I will never forget the jokes he made and the advice that he gave to me on the patio. We are all very blessed to have had his presence in our lives and I hope that the Serafin family can find comfort and peace in knowing how many lives he has touched.
Ray and Kathy LaBelle
April 6, 2015
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of Louis. He was a great guy, like the rest of the family......kind and loving.
Chrystal Deland
April 6, 2015
Martha and family, I am so sorry for your loss.. Louie would always make me laugh he had that way with people. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers
Chrystal Deland
Laura Petty
April 6, 2015
Praying that God will give you peace at this time.
Mary, Sweet Mother, pray for us.
April 6, 2015
Martha and family,
We just heard of Louis' passing. Such sad news. May the love of family and friends help you through this time of grieving, and may memories of a great man fill your hearts.
Paula and John
April 6, 2015
Martha - I am so saddened and shocked by Louie's passing. Truly a great loss. He will be missed by all for his humor, character and kindness.
Peter Logan
Beth Thoms
April 6, 2015
Martha and Family,
I'm so very sorry to hear about Louie's passing. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. If I can be of any help with Nick let me know.
Lori mehler
April 6, 2015
Martha I am sorry for your loss your family are in my prayers and thoughts
Fred and Lynda Miller
April 6, 2015
So sorry to hear! We met Louis at Guy and Karen Pupp's house and always enjoyed the laughs we had with your husband!! He was a great guy!!
Jackie Fox-Bryer
April 6, 2015
Oh Martha.. I'm so saddened to hear of the passing of your wonderful friend and husband. Louie's great sense of humor and smile will be remembered by all who knew him. May you and your family find comfort and support from your family and friends. God bless you. Rest in peace Louie.
Tim Wiegand
April 6, 2015
Martha, Sue and I were very saddened to hear of Louie's passing. Everyone who knew him was charmed by his smile..he was truly one of the good one's.
Tim and Susan Wiegand
Tudhope Optical
Cheryl and Jim Warsinske
April 5, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time.
Happy times at the 2014 Selfridge Air Show
Howard Rundell
April 5, 2015
We have lost a great friend and shipmate. Our thoughts are with Martha and the family.VP-93 Alumni Association
Rick & Kim Scheible
April 5, 2015
Martha and family, we were shocked to hear about the passing of Louie. We send our love and prayers for all of you. May God comfort you and give you peace. Louie will be watching over you all always.
kelly boyd/northrop
April 5, 2015
Prayers and blessing to you martha and family / I knew him years ago while at Dr Townleys office/ great guy / god bless
Nancy Corsetti
April 5, 2015
Martha and Family: In church this morning we were deeply shocked and saddened when we heard the news of Louis' passing. We have many fond memories of sharing those "south wing" pews with all of you over these many years at St. Edward's. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Len and Nancy Corsetti and family
Mellissa Dickinson
April 5, 2015
Serafin family,
I am deeply saddened by the news of Mr. Serafin's passing. My heart goes out to all of you. I have very fond memories of Mr. Serafin from childhood when Melinda and I would spend countless hours between each other's homes. He was such a good, funny and caring man who loved his family very much; everyone could see that. My heart goes out to all of you. May the love and memories be of comfort and guidance through this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Eleanor Holland-Lynch
April 5, 2015
Pat and I just heard and are so saddened for the whole Serafin family. Louie always had a smile and a pleasant word. We will miss him greatly.
Donald Jackson
April 5, 2015
This is a complete shock to me, Louie was a great man , father and friend. He will be missed deeply. My prayers and condolences to his family and close friends.
Herb Leverton
April 5, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Beth & Rod Smith
April 5, 2015
There is no explanation why someone who is loved by so many, with such a large, beautiful family, should be taken so suddenly, and far too early. Maybe we can find some peace in knowing he is watching over us. And I can only picture Louie smiling and laughing, cracking jokes. It seemed like he was always happy.
Think about that.
Must have been a great life, huh?
Beth & Rod Smith
April 5, 2015
Families gather strength from one another. Together you have what you need to find solace after this sudden and deep loss.
And later, smile, because you know he's watching over each of you.
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