Joela Lee (Krotzer) Sersaw also referred to as Charlie, passed away peacefully at home on June 7, 2026. She was surrounded by her spouse Duane Sersaw and her daughters and their spouses Giget and Sean McCracken, Yolanda and Matthew Smallwood, and Tanya and Kevin Vandenberg. Along with many other family and friends. She was born in Midland, Michigan on June 12, 1963. The daughter of Carl Paul and Jeanette Joan (Knapp) Krotzer. On any given day you could find Joela in her garden caring for her plants or in the barn tarring junk apart. She had a true passion for singing, dancing, and crocheting. Her greatest blessing in life was her grandchildren; Zebadiah Peasley, Bridget (Temi) Akintoye, Serenity Peasley, Ariana (Siva) Keerthipati, Sarah (Mark) Stovall, Rachel (Alton) Morrell, Maryann (Addam) Kraynak, Alana Karas, Gail Karas, Shane McCracken, Willa McCracken, and Ian McCracken. And many great grandchildren. She is survived by her Husband Duane Sersaw, siblings Nona Schaefer, Carla (Robert) Holzinger, Ed (Karlene) Riddle, and Susan (Raymond) Krotzer, daughter’s Giget McCracken, Yolanda Smallwood, and Tanya Vandenberg. Proceeded in death by her parents, Carl Krotzer and Jeanette (Knapp) Krozter, her sister Sonja (Krotzer) Taylor, and brother in-laws, Wendell Schaefer and Gerald Taylor. Cremation has taken place with Berry Funeral Home of Shepherd. Family and Friends are invited to a celebration of life at Duane and Joela’s home (886 North 11 Mile Rd, Sanford, Mi 48657) on June 27th at 1pm officiated by Pastor Dan Youmans. In lieu of flowers, cards they may be given to Duane Sersaw.
Date of Funeral
June 27, 2026
