John W. “Dutch” Serafin, 96 of Whiting, passed away at his home on Monday, September 26, 2016. Left to honor his life and memory are his daughter Lorraine Kobe; grandchildren, Jennifer “Jen” Serafin and Sgt. Mark Serafin, USMC; daughter-in-law, Olga “Augie” Serafin. John was also a special uncle to many nieces and nephews and a special treasure to his loving and devoted caregivers, Elizabeth Mierzwinska and Kathy Midkiff. John was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 70 years, Margaret “Marge” (Hornyak) Serafin and by his cherished son, Robert “Bob” Serafin. Also preceding him in death were his parents, Jan and Mary (Nosal) Serafin and his brothers, Frank and Stanley Dudzik, Edward, Andrew and Joseph Serafin and his sisters, Sylvia Cada and Ann Turczi. Also preceding him in death were his niece Marcia Corbett and nephew, Dennis Serafin.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 1, 2016, 10:30am at the Baran Funeral Home, 1235-119th St., Whiting; a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00am at Sacred Heart Church, Whiting with the Rev. Jerome P. Stack, C.PP.S., officiating; interment, St. John Cemetery, Hammond; visitation at the funeral home on Friday from 3:00 to 8:00pm.

John was born into a proud Polish-American family in Whiting, Indiana on December 19, 1919. With the advent of the Great Depression, John began his first job at the age of 9 to help his family. In addition to being a grade school student at St. Adalbert, he became a “paper boy” for the Whiting News Company. From that day forward he became known as “Dutch”. Aside from taking leave during WWII, Dutch proceeded to become Whiting News’ Newspaper Circulation Manager, a position he held for 45 years. Whiting News became his second home and his paper boys and paper girls became his second family. To all of you who meant so much to him, Dutch never failed to match your name to a route number or vice versa throughout the years. He loved you all. John honored his country by being inducted into the United States Army on May 25, 1942. He received training at numerous bases prior to being sent to Africa and overseas to Italy. As a corporal and machine gunner, he led a unit that fought in three major battles in the ETO. Simultaneously, his three brothers also served their country overseas in WWII. John was a member of the American Legion, Whiting Post 80 (Memorial Service Friday at 6:00pm) and the Knights of Columbus, Pope John XXIII Council 1696 (Prayers Friday at 7:00pm.). John was devoted to his family and friends. He was a hard-working, fun-loving, honest and kind man. He will be truly missed by all who were part of his life. Memorials to veteran’s “Honor Flights” would be appreciated.

---

 Service Information