John Sernel, Jr

John Sernel Jr., born on November 15, 1946, in Chicago, IL, passed away peacefully at his home on June 09, 2023. A graveside service will be held at 12:30 PM on Monday, July 10, 2023, at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery, in Adel.  Boman Funeral Home (www.bomanfh.com) is caring for the families needs.

John was born on November 15, 1946, in Chicago, IL to John and Anna (Bonello) Sernel.  He was a humble man who lived a simple life. He attended Crane Vocational High School before enlisting in the US Army (Airborne), where he served one year in Vietnam and was stationed at ft Bragg, NC. He continued to serve his country with three years of Reserve Duty in St Louis, MO. After serving his country, he went on to work many years in maintenance and janitorial services.

John had a passion for acting and was an extra or character actor for several popular movies and television shows filmed in Chicago. Some of the notable ones were Risky Business, Uncle Buck, and A League of Their Own. He always talked about these experiences with joy and enthusiasm.Apart from his professional achievements, John was a caring son who took care of his parents during the last years of their lives.

John’s family includes his sister Rosemarie LaRue; nieces: Elizabeth (Steve) Pincolini, Diane (Anthony) Fernandez; nephew: William Mathis Jr.; and many great nieces and nephews whom he cherished deeply.  John was preceded in death by his sisters JoAnne Mathis and Barbara Sernel and brother in laws, William Mathis and James LaRue