Nicholas A. Sertich

WEST ALLIS, Wis. - Nicholas A. Sertich, 69, passed away peacefully at his home in West Allis on Sunday, June 8, 2014.

Nick was the fourth son of five born to the late John and Sylvia Sertich on March 11, 1945, at the Newport Hospital in Ironwood, Mich. He attended Newport Grade School, St. Ambrose Catholic Grade School, and graduated from St. Ambrose Catholic High School in 1963. He also attended Gogebic Community College.

Teachers at Newport School indicated Nick was not being academically challenged and suggested he be advanced one grade. His mother denied the grade advance and sent him to St. Ambrose Catholic Grade School to meet those challenges. The nuns, indeed, challenged Nick; and Nick, indeed, challenged the nuns. Nick didn't win. But he exceled academically, made many lifelong friends, became an altar server, played on the St. Ambrose basketball team, the Ramblers, participated in track, and perfectly portrayed the incorrigible, mean, old Uncle Chris in the St. Ambrose senior class play, "I Remember Mama." He was grateful to St. Ambrose Catholic School and the clergy for their ability to teach more than just academics.

In 1967, Nick moved to the Milwaukee area, where he entered apprenticeship in the construction field as a glass glazier, employed by the Laurie Patik Glass Company until his retirement in 1999. He was a member of the Painters and Allied Trades Union, Local 1204.

He was married to the former Elizabeth Rohde, West Allis, in 1995 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood by the Rev. Norbert Landerville. Elizabeth Survives.

Also surviving are his brothers, John (Diana), La Cresenta, Calif., Tom (Beverly), Cortland, Ohio, and James, Ironwood; nephews, Daniel, Albuquerque, N.M., and David, Glendale, Calif .; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Besides his parents, Nick was preceded in death by his brother, Anthony, age 4, in 1945; and a nephew, Dylan, age 21, in 1999.

Nick was an excellent cook, enjoyed good food and loved music. Television and radio were his constant companions. He especially enjoyed and loved the family home at 416 Bundy St., where he spent every holiday and most of his free time. His mom assured the kitchen was filled with the aroma of good food, freshly baked bread, walnut roll, apple strudel and banana cake, followed by hours of television, music and endless games of Monopoly and Scrabble.

More recently, Nick spent the winters in Florida with his brothers. He was a caring, kind and very generous person. No one ever left his house hungry. He truly loved his mom and dad, always thankful for their many sacrifices, his grandparents and his brothers. His live revolved around his family and his Catholic faith, a good and faithful servant.

By Nick's request, cremation has taken place.

Visitation and a Mass of Christian Burial were celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Allis on Monday, June 16.

Nick will be placed to rest next to his parents at Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood, on Saturday, June 21, at 10 a.m. with a graveside memorial service. The Rev. Nick Thompson will officiate.

Rest in peace, my friend and my brother. You are home.