Samuel Mark Serene

Samuel Mark Serene, 65, of Pepin, WI died Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Wabasha, MN. He was born on December 13, 1960, in Austin, MN; son of Robert Sr. and Margaret (Wiskerchen) Serene.
He graduated from Pepin High School. Following school he joined the United States Army. He was an honor graduate in basic training at Fort Benning- Georgia where he transitioned into airborne school and earned his wings. Sam was then promoted to Sergeant and assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, NC. Achieving high honors throughout his military career until 1983.
After returning home from the military, Sam worked at the Pepin Fish Market, then as a trencher operator burying phone cable. He worked in telecommunications through GTE and Verizon companies until his retirement in 2010.
Sam was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, hunting, hiking, swimming, and hunting for ginseng and morel mushrooms.
He is survived by his sons, Andrew and Michael, both of Pepin, WI; twin granddaughters, Paisley and Ella; his mother, Margaret Serene of Pepin, WI; sisters, Robin (David) Gerry of Mondovi, WI and Patti (Bill) Mountain of Pepin, WI; brothers, Robert Serene Jr. of Apple Valley, CA and Jeffrey Serene of Pepin, WI; other family and friends; and his beloved cat, Lily.
He is preceded in death by his father, Robert Serene Sr.
The family would like to give special thanks to Janell Raethke for helping care for Sam for the past few years.
A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date.
Goodrich Funeral Home in Durand, WI is assisting the family. To express on-line condolences, visit obituaries at www.goodrichfh.com.