March 27, 1937 – January 23, 2026
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Bob, Robert (Bob) Sertich, aged 88. Bob passed away peacefully with his family at his side on January 23, 2026. Born on March 27, 1937, in Ironwood, Michigan, to Emil and Ellen (Swanson) Sertich, Bob was their firstborn child. He was surrounded by a large extended family, something he cherished throughout his life.
After high school and a short stint working in Ironwood, Bob married Virginia Grandelis, of Hurley, WI, in September 1957. After starting a family, they soon moved to Milwaukee, before finally settling in Kenosha, where he was employed as a machinist at J.I. Case in Racine. Bob loved fishing, hunting, and pretty much any outdoor sport. After retiring, he took up golf, and it was unusual to see him away from the golf course. He enjoyed the competition and, most importantly, the friendships he developed through the clubs.
Bob loved to play cards and was always up for a game. Later in life, he spent a lot of time at the senior center giving and taking pennies from the elderly ladies he played with. He was a storyteller, and of course, the stories were all true; he loved the attention. When there was food around, he was never shy to be the first in line.
Bob was proud of many things in life. He was very proud to be sober for the last 45 years and carried his token of sobriety with him every day. Bob’s pride shined though the lives of his children, his grandchildren, and their families. His love for family was important to him. He enjoyed the attention and the acknowledgement from the youngest ones, especially when his Great-Grandson Gavin played the piano, when Preston broke down and finally started giving him hugs, when Mason showed off his awesome locks of hair, and more recently, when little Scotty hugged his Papa in his final days.
Bob is preceded in death by his grandson, Gary Jr., his daughter Jeannie Sertich, his sisters, Joan and Kathy Kusz (Gary), brother David Czerneski, and his mother, Ellen. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Virginia, brothers, Mike Czerneski, Ironwood, MI and John Tregembo, Bensalem, PA: six children, his daughter, Tammy Formon (Mark, Leehigh Acres, FL., and his sons, Robert, Tomahawk, WI; Gary, Wausau, Wi, James (Rita), Limassol, Cyprus; Jeffery, Wausau, WI; and Stephen Thibodeau, Littleton, CO., Eight Grandchildren; Julie Sertich (Rob Smith), Jennifer Betchel (Jason), Brian Sertich, Brian Mayte-Sertich, Michael Sertich, Michelle Sertich, and Daniel Sertich (Lexi); six Great-Grandchildren; Brianna, Gavin, Mason, Nolan, Preston, and Scotty, and one great-great grandchild, Hurley.
As per Bob’s wishes, memorial services will be held later this summer in Ironwood, Michigan.
Our family would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the staff at Dimensions Living and to Kenosha Hospice for your dedicated and compassionate care. Although you were only in Bob’s care for a short period of time, your care eased our minds and gave Bob the comfort and dignity he needed.
