John H. Serati
August 5, 1954 ~ October 18, 2010
John H. Serati, 56, Fargo passed away October 18, 2010 at Sanford Hospital following a courageously fought battle with cancer.
John was born August 5, 1954 in St. Louis Missouri to John and Theresa Serati. He attended school in St. Louis graduating from Lindberg High School. Following High School, he attended the University of Missouri, Columbia Missouri and continued to be a Tiger supporter until his death. He was a member of the Beta Gamma Chapter of The Kappa Sigma Fraternity in college. His fraternity brothers were his lifelong friends.
John met his wife Janis during his time in Columbia. They married May 19, 1979.
During college, John worked for a Taco Bell franchisee and following college, was given the opportunity to become part of that franchise organization. John and Janis moved to Fargo in 1979 and John made his career developing and running the Taco Bell restaurants in the state. His greatest joys in the business were his employees, customers and the many people he met through his work. John was passionate about his work and all who knew him felt that passion.
John loved to fish and his trips to South America, fishing the tributaries of the Amazon for unusual species were highlights of his life. He loved taking summer fishing trips to Canada with his sons, and was also an avid member of the FM Walleyes organization.
John loved politics. He served the North Dakota Republican Party as a District Chairman, and the Cass County United Republicans as Treasurer. John was also past president of the Rough Rider Kiwanis club.
Boys and Girls Clubs of America was a National Charity supported by Taco Bell. John was an avid supporter of the local chapter of the Boys and Girls Clubs, always assisting the club when asked.
John was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Janis, sons Tony, West Fargo, Nick, Fargo, brother, Mark, St. Louis, sister, Barbara (John), St. Louis, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Boys and Girls Club of the Red River Valley Youth commission, 2500 18th St S, Fargo ND 58103.
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Forestville CATo Janis, my dear long-time friend, please accept my deepest sympathies. I remember when you started dating John, though we called him Chops back then. I wish you and your sons well as you follow your paths into the future.
Fargo ND
Janis,
My condolences to you and your family I always enjoyed our conversations on life, business and politics. I will miss John’s laugh his sense of humor never knowing if he was serious or not. Your in our thoughts and prayers may his memory live on. God Bless
Lake Park MN
Serati Family-
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Working as a teenager for many years at Taco Bell on South University he instilled the value of customer service and getting the job done properly and efficiently. I have carried those values into my adult years. That laugh will never be forgotten.
Know that prayers and strength are being sent your way.
Green Bay WisconsinJohn:
You will truly be missed by many. I looked forward to your e-mails and your humor – they always brought a smile to my face even on the toughest of days.
John will be greatly missed. Janis, Tony, and Nick my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless.
Janis,
My condolences to you and your family. I loved working with John when I was at the ND
GOP. He truly had a larger-than-life personality! May he rest now. God bless.
Lynelle
Janis, Tony, and Nick –
John was such a delight – it is a priviledge to have met him. We will never forget seeing Tony and him side-by-side at the TKE house their laughter was contagious. We are praying for sunshine in your days ahead.
Derek and Nina Wentz
Belleville IllinoisWords can not express our sadness and compassion we have for your family. Eddie was one of a kind and one of my dearest friends.
God bless you all.
Tom and The Spiritual Advisor
Tony, I am so sorry for your loss of your dad. He added great energy everywhere is was and I hope that you can keep all the good memories of your time together forever. My Dad died many years ago, but when I am on the lake in Canada, his spirit is still there.
Jamestown MOJanis,
I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. I didn’t get the privilege of knowing him well due to the miles between us. After reading the other guestbook comments, I feel like I know him better and realize what a wonderful husband, father, and friend he was. I know he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. My prayers go out for you and your family during this time.
Deana
John was a great man with a truly infectious laugh. He was a wonderful public servant and I have always been very appreciative of his willingness to talk, whether about politics, business or telling a joke, he was always willing to lend me an ear.
John was one of my major supporters when I was considering running for State House, and helped me find the confidence to push forward. I’m truly grateful for all that he gave not only to me, but to others around him. We didn’t just lose a great leader in the Republican Party, we lost a great man.
He will most certainly be missed by all that knew him.
Rapid City South DakotaDear Janis, Tony and Nick,
Janis, Peg H. informed me by personal facebook message about John. I am so shocked and sorry to hear about all this. Please accept Mark’s and my deepest sympathies. I have though so much about you and your family over the years. You and I were pregnant together at the same time when we worked at MeritCare together, you with Nick, me with Kayla. Your kids are now all grown, they would not ever remember me but please tell them how sorry I am as well in the loss of their Dad. I cannot imagine your pain. Miss you and love goes out to you Janis.
Connie and Mark Lundgren
Arden Hills MN
Janis, I am so sorry to hear about John. I have such great memories of our time in Jaycees years ago. He was a good man. My prayers are with you and the boys.
We will dearly miss John’s sense of humor, passion for politics, and great input on his stock selections for our investment club. His infectious laughter will be greatly missed.
FARGO ND
OUR COMMUNITY IS GRIEVING WITH YOU. I WAS UP WAY TOO EARLY THIS MORNING AND LOOKED UP AT THE MOON. IT WAS FULL AND ROBUST AND BURSTING WITH BRIGHTNESS. I SMILED AND THOUGHT OF JOHN RIGHT AWAY. HIS MARK HAS BEEN LEFT ON ALL OF US. OUR PRAYERS WILL CONTINUE. MAY THEY BRING YOU PEACE AND STRENGTH AND COMFORT.
KATHLEEN WRIGLEY
Fargo North Dakota
Your family is in our prayers. I will always remember joking with John when he came to Seasons. Good sense of humor. We also appreciated your friendship with Neil, when he was at your house or when he worked for Taco Bell. God Bless
Daytona Beach FloridaJohn made a lasting impression on me at a very young age in my career. I often think of him when I tell people of why I have been in the food service industry my entire life. John gave me my first opportunity in management at Taco Bell and was a great influence in my life. Thinking of the family in my prayers and thoughts.
Dan, Stacy and Steve McDonald
Fargo North Dakota
Janis and Family
John was a great friend. He always had some advice for me. I will never forget him, especially when times get tough.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Tom Fischer
new albany indianaJohn will be dearly missed by the Taco Bell Franchise Family. He was a Mentor and a great Role Model to many people. We will keep the Family in our prayer’s.
God Bless, Clint & Debbie Smith
John you always made us laugh. You were such a great friend and person to work with. I still have my purple Taco Bell NASCAR you gave me over4 years ago. We will miss you very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with Janis and the family.
Your friends at Williams/Crawford
Arnold MissouriJohn,
I love you and will always love you! I will miss you very much. I wish we could have spent more time together.
Love Sis!
New JerseyMy deepest condolences to John’s family. I only got to see John at various Taco Bell meetings, but always enjoyed our brief time together. He was an extremely friendly man and a great restaurant operator. He has not only my respect but the respect of the entire Taco Bell system.
St. Louis MissouriDear Janis, Tony and Nick,
My sympathy in your time of such a great loss. Of course I will miss him dearly as well. The memories from our childhood on will be cherished and some of the most vibrant in my life. John has always been a unique and respected person in my life. I look forward to seeing you all in Fargo.
West Fargo ND
Dear Serati Family,
So sorry to hear about the death of John. He was one of a kind! Great zeal for life and for community. I know our family has many fond memories of the early years in sports. May God give you the necessary strength and comfort during these difficult days. Be assured, John would want you to live life to its fullest and remember, he is in a better place and the time will come when you will see him again! Don’t dispair.
God’s Blessing.
Austen Schauer
Moorhead MN
So sorry about your loss! John was always a joy to be around! He will be deeply missed by our club!
Fargo ndJanis, Tony and Nick,
My heartfelt condolences on your loss. It was my pleasure to serve John and you all in your many visits out to Corwin Toyota. He will be missed but remembered always. You’ll be in my thougts during this difficult time.
Moorhead MN
My deepest sympathy is extended to John’s family. I had no idea. I will hold many fond memories of John and our interation at FM Walleyes events. He will be missed by myself and many more.
Fargo ND
I always enjoyed seeing John each month at the FM Walleye meetings. He was always there to greet me with a great big warm smile and a firm hand shake. I will miss him as I know all FM walleye members will too. Thoughts and prayers are with the Serati family.
Janis, Tony and Nick,
John was a wonderful man that touched the lives and hearts of many people.
He will be missed! Let the memories fill your mind, warm your heart and lead you through this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy,
John and Alicia Kaufmann
Findlay OhioOur condolences to John’s family and colleagues. He was a highly respected member of the Taco Bell family and will be missed.
West Fargo ND
Janis, Tony and Nick,
There are no words possible to tell you how much John means to me and how much I will miss him. He was so much more than an employer, he was a GREAT friend!! I will always cherish the frienship that he gave to me and my family. There are so many memories that make me laugh and thats what made John so special. Our families prayers are with all of your family,
God Bless,
Steve
Janis,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and Tony and Nick are in my thoughts and prayers. John will live on in our hearts and all the wonderful memories that we have of him. We will all miss him and his quick wit. He was always able to put a positive spin on everything and put a smile on your face.
Janis, Tony and Nick,
I am so sorry for your loss. Janis, please know that all of your former co-workers at MeritCare (even the “old” ones) are thinking of you and your family at this tragic time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Oakdale MN
Tony and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this very difficult time. Your dad was a wonderful man and his memory lives on with all of the great things he did for his family, friends, and community.
Fargo ND
Dear Janis, Tony, and Nick,
When thinking of John, the phrase “one-of-a-kind” comes readily to mind. He was truly a remarkable person, and his enthusiam for life and the courage with which he faced adversity is inspiring for all of us. We will hold his memory in our hearts, as we hold you in our prayers through the difficult days to come.
Steve and Kathy Shark
Apple Valley MN
Janis/Tony/Nick:
Our hearts are numb with losing one of our very best friends in John. I’ll never forget the first time I met John on one of my first dates with Cory at that restaurant where he ended up giving me a nickname that has stuck to this day. Our trips with both of you are some of our greatest memories and we still have one of our pictures from Ixtapa sitting on our shelf. We are saddened not realizing the hugs we gave him in August are to be no more. The many memorable e-mails he shared with us are now treasures. We are both feeling a huge loss right now and have your family in our thoughts and prayers. Our love to you.
fargo ndJANIS,TONY AND NICK
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. JOHN
WAS A DEAR FRIEND AND HE WILL BE MISSED
Florissant MOJanis and Family,
You have my deepest sympathy. John was a special man you couldn’t help but like. I always looked forward to the couple of times that I would see him each year and the constant e-mails expressing his outlook on life. He will always be remembered.
Fargo ND
Janis,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your sons. I will never forget the time the 4 of us spent in Altanta at the National Jaycee Convention. John was always ready for anything!
Jo
Fargo ND
Janis, our condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time. We have enjoyed John through the years while servicing the area Taco Bell restaurants. He will be greatly missed.
Remy and the Bosh Ent. crews
Fort Smith ARMy thoughts and prayers are with Janis and the boys, and the Serati family. John and I were Kappa Sigs, at different schools, and also shared the same birthday. I will miss his quick wit and comments on politics, Taco Bell pricing and NASCAR. He was a good man. I will miss his friendship.
John will be fondly remembered and missed by many, but none more than his family. You have my deepest sympathy.
Fargo ND
There are no words that will take away the pain of such a GREAT loss. We can only imagine the great sorrow you must be feeling as we are in such shock ourselves.
We have always enjoyed having you as our neighbors these past 20+ years.
John was the only person I have ever known to have the same birthday as me and I ALWAYS thought that was pretty special!
His presence will be greatly missed by our family and in the neighborhood. John was so full of energy and life.
Janis, Tony (Ton as John would say) and Nick & Ozzie, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
I am sure John made a GRAND entrance into HEAVEN with a hearty laugh and his chariot’s music playing some loud rock ‘n roll music!
He will not be forgotton.
Sending you HUGS & HEARTFELT Prayers,
The Bosh Family
Columbia MOI was very sorry to hear about John’s passing. It was my pleasure working with him. He could always make you smile. God bless his family.
Kirkwood MOThank you for being such a good friend to my dad. We’ll miss you and everything you meant to our family.
Shawnee Mission KSOur deepest sysmpathy to all the family.
the FRANMAC staff.
Union MissouriJanis Tony and Nick I cant tell you how sorry I am for your loss. John was a great friend of mine. He was someone who really helped me learn and grow in the Taco Bell system. He was such a pleasure to be around. He will truly be missed. God Bless John and Jeannine Moroney
Columbia MOJohn, I will truly miss you as a great friend and business partner. We had a great run at buildfing and operating restaurants and I could not have done it without you. Everyone in our Taco Bell family will miss you!!!
Louisville KYMy deepest thoughts and prays are with the Serati Family as you face this most difficult time. I’ve had the honor of knowing John on the Taco Bell side of his life. He was so very passionate about the business and every aspect thereof. God is good in all things and one of those things is allowing each of us the the opportunity to know John. God bless….
Golden Valley MN
John…
You will be missed by the Taco Bell family as a leader and a friend your distinctive laugh always let one know that you were close by.
Janis, our thoughts are with you and your family.
Sincerely, Lee and Patti Engler
Columbia MissouriIt was always a pleasure to work with John. We will pray for the Serati Family.
Fargo ND
John was a great friend and will be missed. I will always remember John as the one to go to for a friends advise. John you will be missed by all. Janice and family our prayers are with you always. Barry and Jean Puppe
Fargo ND
Jan, Tony, Nick,
I was so saddened to hear about John’s death. My heart goes out to your family. Jan, I first met you & John nearly 25 yrs ago, when we opened Kids Kingdom at Village West. John was the President our our Merchants association. He was a good leader and a good man. I am glad that I had the privilage to take care of your boys and watch them grow up, where does the time go! My thoughts & prayers are with your family as you go through this difficult time.
Lino Lakes MN
I have the greatest memories working with John at Taco Bell in the 80’s. John had the best laugh and so much energy! Glad I was able to visit with John, Jan and Tony last June. Always in my thoughts.
Sincerely,
Mary Beth Danielson Berg
Minot ND
Janis,
I only met you a couple times so I have heard more about you through Lynette. I know you both are considered great friends. She has kept us updated on John illness. I am very sorry for you loss. You are in my prayers. God Bless,
Mandan ND
Janis and Family,
The world is a better place because John was part of it. He brought energy and enthusiasm to everything he touched and a laugh that we will never forget. He was a blessing to many!
Our thoughts and prayers continue as you begin to find your “new normal”.
Fargo ND
Thinking of you all and sending prayers for strength at this difficult time. God bless you, and John’s memory. He fought hard, but now he is granted a new body and no more suffering in heaven. Maybe he and Dave can play cards. 🙂
Take care of yourselves and each other, thats whats most important right now.
Love, Jenn
I’m glad John passed the Serati Snicker on to Nick – that thing is going to live on forever. Probably the most contagious laughing style I’ve ever heard.
John was the kind of guy to make you laugh without trying – always had a joke to tell or a new way of making fun of Nick and his friends.
It’s comforting to know that John was surrounded by family towards the end – out of all the passions in his life, we all know Nick, Tony, and Janis (and Ozzy!) were #1 in his book.
We lost a great friend, but we’ll have his memories forever.
Minot My heartfelt sympathy goes to you and your sons Janis. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Thinking of you,
Kirksville MissouriJohn was a great guy. He always had positive words to say when we talked. I have been with Taco Bell for 16 years and remember his laughter at functions. He will be missed. From all of us at Kirksville, MO Taco Bell.
Fargo ND
I don’t know if you remember me Nick. I worked with you at Vector Control for a summer a couple years ago. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time. I wish you the best in the future.
Fargo ND
I am deeply sorry for the loss of an amazing human being. My thoughts are with John’s friends and loved ones.
John always had a way to get people laughing and in good cheer. His sense of humor and personality were so uplifting , he really would change my day for the better anytime I would see John.
he will be missed
I enjoyed John’s quick wit. Our Fargo conference calls were always good time, thanks to John, Dave and Fred. He also had a great passion for his business. Nobody knew more about his QSR markets. I looked forward to receiving weekly emails from John in reply to the sales reports. He was rightfully proud of the great results produced by his restaurants. I am really going to miss John. He was a good man.
Fargo ND
We’ve lost our leader in District 41 and it will be tough to replace him. John was always part cheerleader part organizer and part political activist – with just the right amount of each characteristic! I guess you could say that he was truly well rounded!
I loved the fact that he was such an avid North Dakota
supporter even though he wasn’t a native of the state.
I’ll think of his chuckles whenever I see a Taco Bell – anywhere, forever.
Jamestown ND
Janis and family:
I know its been a couple years since I work for John, I always kept up with what was going on. I was totally shock by this but I am very sorry for your loss. John was a very strong and good man and IT Was A priviledge to have worked for him. Your family are in my thoughts and paryers!
Brunswick OHJohn,
You will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved you. Your sense of humor was like no one else we have known. What a wonderful father and husband you were. We will miss you. Love,
Bob and Lisa
Fargo Janis and Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of John’s passing. I thought the world of John. He was a special man that is for sure. Not only did he have the best jokes and funny stories, he had a heart of gold. John will be missed.. I will be thinking about all of you and will keep you all in my heart and prayers.
Bert
Sidney Oh we will miss you Chops–Janis, you and your family our in our prayers. I know it’s tough, I just lost my brother last month to that same “C” word. welove you and miss you already. Boz and Jeanie AEKDB
Columbia MOI am blessed to have known John Serati as my friend. John lived out the ideal that people, particularly our loved ones, are truly our greatest treaures.
Surely we have all learned lessons, shared plenty of laughter, or experienced a genuine smile because our lives were touched by John.
I’m sure the Big Fisherman in Heaven has already declared him “a real keeper!”
Columbia MOWe will miss John very much. For many years I had almost weekly contact with John and considered him a mentor and friend.
Our hearts and our prayers go out to Janis and the boys as they say goodbye to a great dad and a great person
Fargo ND
Janis, Tony and Nick,
We are so deeply saddened that we have lost one of our very favorite people, John. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. He was special and will be greatly missed. Nancy Odney and Everyone at Radio Fargo Moorhead
John, you always knew how to make us smile and laugh, we will continue to remember you and do so. Your chuckle and inquisitive mind will be missed.
Prior Lake MN
Janis and Family:
Our hearts and prayers go out to you over your loss. We are thinking of you and have you in our hearts and prayers.
There was only one John!!! I hope he told you where his joke book was as I don’t know if we can wait until we go over to the other side to hear another one of his stories.
Our deepest sympathy.
Dave Dornacker @ Jody Spencer
Fargo ND
Janis, Tony and Nick,
I was so sorry to hear about John’s passing! Even after all these years, some of my fondest memories are from Taco Bell…..and of course John. As someone else mentioned, that Serati Snicker will never be forgotten!
Thoughts and prayers with you and the rest of your extended family during this difficult time. Hugs and love to all of you!
Karen
Fargo ND
Please know that you are in my thoughts at this very difficult time. I hope you feel the many warm and consoling thoughts being sent your way.
John was such an energetic and fun-loving man who shared his joy and enthusiasm for life with every person he met. I’m so glad to have had the pleasure of knowing him. He is a great example of how to live!
Nick,
As saddened as I am by your loss, I am so grateful for all the richness your dad brought into our lives. John will be truly missed.
Healing moves at its own pace. Be kind to yourself and take it one day at a time. I know your heart is aching and I am truly sorry for the pain you are experiencing. Lean on your friends. They love you very much.
Fargo North Dakota
We have lost a good man. May he rest in peace. May his family be comforted that he is free of suffering now and with the Good Lord in Heaven above. His many attributes will be remembered by many including his business success, tireless defense of the pro-business, conservative way of life and also his strong faith.
Fargo ND
We will miss John dearly, and will always remember his big personality, warmth and sense of humor. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Serati family.
Fargo ND
Dear Serati Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. John was a very kind and generous man. We still remember his contributions to Fargo South Wrestling several years ago when we were fund-raising.
You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
The Winmill Family
Fargo ND
Janis, Nick and Tony,
We have lost a real champion for service to youth and community. As a volunteer for the Boys and Girls Club of the Red River Valley, I know how much compassion he had for children. Serving as members of the local Jaycees with John gave us a chance to know him personally. His deep hardy laugh and smile would brighten any room. Our hearts ache for you today. We will keep you in our prayers.
Our sympathy,
Rick and Kathy Greener,
Grand Forks ND
Janis – My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. John was truly ‘one of a kind’ and he will be sorely missed.
Hannibal MOJanis and Family:
My heartfelt sympathy is with your family at this difficult time. John was always good for a funny story and a laugh. Even though I only saw him once or twice a year it was always a pleasure. May God bless and comfort you.
Lake Winnebago MOSo sorry to hear of John’s passing. I’m one of his younger Kappa Sig brothers from Mizzou, where I first met him as “Chops”. It was awhile before I even knew his first name. He was a great guy, and I’m glad I knew him. May he rest in peace, and we will keep the family he left behind in our thoughts and prayers.
Fargo ND
It is with great sadness that we write today to commemorate a dear and memorable man. John’s lively spirit will remain forever in our hearts. One of the great ones has been taken far too soon, and we feel deep sorrow for you, his family and friends. May God bless those who love him and may his soul find much deserved grace in our Lord’s presence.
Fargo ND
One of the truly good guys. He will be missed by so many. Harry and I add our thoughts and prayers to the family.
Fargo ND
Janis and family,
My heart is saddened by the news of
John’s death. We had so much fun in Jaycee’s especially doing state convention. I believe John is up in Heaven right now planning somethin else! I am so glad I had the priviledge of knowing him. Please let me if there is anything I can do.
Cheryl
Dear John’s Family,
My husband and I wanted to say how very sorry we are for your loss. We offer our deepest condolences.
If we may, we wanted to leave a few scriptures that have helped us in some painful moments in our lives.
Psalm 139:23
Psalm 38:8
Luke 7:11-17
John 11:11-44
Jer. 29:11,12
John 5:28,29a
Maybe these can ease your pain some. Please take care and know there are people out in the world that do care—we just wanted you to know that.
Sincerely,
William & Lisa Mooren
Rochester MN
I will forever have great memories of John, I know I will never forget the Serati snicker.