Stanley Serwatka

Stanley F. Serwatka, 98, of Fairmont City, Illinois left to be with the Lord at 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 13, 2026, while residing at Colonnades Senior Living Center in O’Fallon, Illinois. 

He came into this world on April 20, 1928, in Madison, Illinois as the son of the late Aleksander and Natalia [Szydlowska] Serwatka. On November 27, 1948, he would marry the love of his life, Dorothy Mae [Urban] in Madison at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He soon became a committed, active member of Holy Rosary Church, a role he would maintain for the duration of his life. Stan was a beloved husband, father, son, grandfather, brother, and favorite uncle to a multitude of nieces and nephews. He lived life to the fullest earning a football scholarship to Truman State in Kirksville, Missouri where he would earn a teaching degree. Shortly thereafter, his number would be drawn in the draft which led to his enlistment in the Army, and subsequently he would be called to serve in the Korean War. 

Aside from family, Stanley held affinities for both teaching and sports. After retiring from a fulfilling career as an educator in Madison schools, he continued to serve as a volunteer driver for special education students providing transportation throughout the region.  While Stan earned quite a reputation as an outstanding football player in college, he also excelled at softball, playing in countless tournaments with his buddies over the years.  At one point, Stanley was actually drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals, but the dream was cut short due to injury.

His passion for sports inspired him to serve as a referee and umpire where he officiated numerous games for boys and girls baseball, softball, volleyball, and football. Stan lived and breathed sports. He was also exceptionally proud of his heritage and served as the president of the Polish Hall for many years. Additionally, he gave back to the community as an esteemed member of St. Mary’s Booster Club for a considerable portion of his life. 

He had a huge heart and a warm smile. His deep love for storytelling coupled with his unique sense of humor made him the guy everyone wanted to be around. Whether at a backyard barbeque with a cigar or during a church get together, Stanley was truly the guy everyone enjoyed seeing. His life-long best friend, Dan Rahn would agree. He met Stan as a coworker early on and was like a brother ever since. Big thanks to Dan Rahn for all the memories.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, his parents, his son Jerry, and five siblings, Irene (Stan) Niedzwiecki, Zigmund Serwatka, Adele (Joseph) Balcer, Roman (Ruth) Serwatka, and Sister Jocelyn Serwatka, OSF. 

Stanley is survived by his son, Terry Serwatka of Missouri; granddaughters, Andrea Serwatka of Fairmont City, IL, Alicia (Oliver) Sliva of Ft. Myers, FL; his daughter-in-law, Marcey Serwatka of Fairview Heights, IL; and his great grandchildren, Libby Barendregt and Gus Sliva.

Thank you to the staff at Colonnades, and friends from Fairmont City and Madison, IL who Stan had a lifelong relationship with. Special thanks to Marcey Serwatka, special daughter-in-law (Jerry Serwatka) who was like a daughter to Stan.

Visitation will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Fairmont City, IL.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 21, 2026, at 12:00 pm. At Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Fairmont City, IL, with Fr. Harold Fisher, O.M.I. officiating.  Interment will follow in St. Adalbert Cemetery, Fairview Heights, IL.