Dennis “Jiggs” Sersland

Monday, July 1, 2019 5:57 pm

Dennis “Jiggs” Sersland, 66, of Decorah, died peacefully at home Sunday, June 23, 2019, surrounded by his family, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with brain cancer. Funeral services were at 11 a.m., Friday, June 28, at the First Lutheran Church, 604 West Broadway, Decorah, with Rev. Nancy Solomonson presiding. Burial was in the St. Benedict Cemetery, Decorah. Visitation was from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at the First Lutheran Church, 604 West Broadway, Decorah, and 10 a.m., at the church Friday morning. Casket bearers were Mike Hallahan, Mark Sersland, Mark Worcester, Bill Kaska, Marcus Hageman, Matt Gleisner and Craig Anderson. Honorary casket bearers were John and Nancy Juve, Jim and Kris Lynch, Mike and Sue Keefe, Craig and Rosemary Courtney, Rob and Mary Juve, Dennis and Deb Larson, Randy and Lisa Brekke, Linda Johnson, Rodney and Jackie Chuba and Lee and Judy Thompson. Organist was Lindsey Lund. Hymns were “Be Not Afraid,” “On Eagles’ Wings” and “How Great Thou Art.” Special music was a CD, “Go Rest High on that Mountain,” by Vince Gill. Special music as a tribute to Dennis’s family and friends was a CD, “In This life,” Collin Raye.

Dennis Karl Sersland was born Jan. 3, 1953, the son of Lloyd and Helen (Halverson) Sersland, in Decorah. A graduate of Decorah High School in 1971, Dennis was a three-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball and baseball. He was the Decorah Vikings’ second baseman when the team won its first state high school baseball championship in 1970, with legendary head coach Dennis Olejniczak. After high school, Dennis attended college at Iowa Central and UNI.

Upon completing college, he began working for the Winneshiek County road crew, eventually becoming bridge foreman. Dennis retired in October 2016, after 42 years of service. Dennis, his brother Darrell, and father Lloyd, had over 100 years of combined service to Winneshiek County. He also was a volunteer member of the Decorah Fire Department. He was united in marriage to Janean Carolan May 3, 1986, at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Decorah. To this union, two children were born, Darrin and Brett. Dennis loved puttering in his garage with lawn mowers and cars, riding motorcycles, attending sporting events at Decorah High School, watching his birds, having pancakes and long johns for breakfast, spoiling his dog Edgar, going to Harbor Freight, listening to ‘60s and ‘70s music, watching the Hawkeyes and spending time with his family and many friends. He was well known for helping anyone in need and making people laugh. His life was incredibly well-lived and full of great memories, such as hanging out with the “Freddy Foreheads” up north at the cabin; celebrating Fourth of July in Washington, D.C., with his family; and being surprised by all of his amazing family and friends at his 65th birthday party.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Janean; sons, Darrin Sersland, Minneapolis, Minn. and Brett Sersland (Katrina Collins), Waukon; his dog, Edgar; brother, Darrell (Becky) Sersland, Decorah; mother-in-law, Doris Carolan, Decorah; brothers-in-law, Bob (Dalane) Carolan, Hesper and Jason (Caroline) Carolan, Denver, Colo.; aunts, Pat Pavlovec, Decorah and Audrey Halverson, Decorah; nieces and nephews: Kelly Sersland; Keri (Jeff) Fye; Dave (Emily) Carolan; Laura (Aaron) McConnell; Cait Carolan; Finn Carolan; great-nieces and nephews: Jackson Fye (born Sunday 06-23-19); McKenna McConnell; Maren Carolan. Dennis also is survived by numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Helen (Halverson) Sersland; grandparents: Karl and Julia Sersland; Wallace and Palma Halverson; father-in-law, Bob Carolan, Sr.