On Monday evening, July 6, 2026, Carol Jane (Kuker) Sernett passed away from natural causes at the age of 86. She was a resident of the Marian Home and Village in Fort Dodge, IA.

Carol was born on March 20, 1940, in Carroll, IA. The daughter of Martin and Luella (Remme) Kuker, Carol joined her older sister Mary and was later joined by younger brothers, Charles and David, and sister, Bernadette, at the Kuker farmstead just east  of Havelock, IA. As a young schoolgirl, one of Carol's favorite aspects of farm life was caring for and riding her pony, Paint. Though she did not like farm chores, she excelled as the parts manager at her father's Pontiac dealership.  She attended Pocahontas Catholic School in Pocahontas, IA, graduating in 1958.  By unanimous vote of the teachers, Carol earned the Crown of Mary award, the highest honor for graduating seniors.  She went on to attend St. Catherine's Hospital School of Nursing in Omaha, NE, where she graduated with her nursing degree in 1961.

Carol met and married the love of her life, Paul James Sernett, on October 7, 1961.  Paul and Carol exchanged nuptials at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Pocahontas, IA. Family would become the cornerstone of their life together.  They began that life together on Sadie Street in Laurens, IA and quickly started a family with Mark arriving in 1962, Daniel a year later in 1963, Angela in 1965 and Jeffrey in 1969.   They outgrew the home on Sadie Street and moved to a new, enduring home on Arthur Street, where Lorena (Rena) arrived in 1970 and Scott in 1975.  When time permitted, Carol also spent many years working the night shift as a RN at the Laurens Nursing Home.

Genuine, kind and humble, Carol lived life as a loving example for her husband and children, sharing her deep faith in the presence of the Holy Trinity, the heart of her Catholic life.  With 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, she always maintained connection with each of them through birthday messages, phone calls, and attending countless ball games and other school activities, and planning annual family reunion celebrations over the years. She was simply great at staying connected with the people she loved.

Carol, with a servant's heart and an intrinsic ability to lift everyone to a better place with her quick smile and easy laugh, enjoyed being an active member of the community and was involved for many years with the Sacred Heart Catholic Rosary Society, Meals on Wheels, and the American Heritage Singers and Musicians.  Polka dancing, doll-making and singing were things Carol enjoyed with her free time.  Far and above, her greatest joy was spending time and doing things with her big family.

In retirement, Carol and Paul embraced the snowbird way of life alongside Paul's siblings in Florence, AZ, enjoying the warmer temperatures in addition to the social structure and activities of the retirement community there.  When it was time in 2018 for Paul and Carol to exit their snowbird lifestyle, they returned to Iowa full time with the benefit of the caring support of the people at the Marian Home. In her final years there, Carol found great comfort in the care she received and in her access to the daily routines that afforded her the chance to remain so very close to her family, friends, and continue her Catholic faith.

Carol was preceded in death by her husband, Paul, parents, Martin and Luella (Remme) Kuker, sister, Mary (Kuker) Tinius, brothers-in-law Roger Tinius and Jeff Tadlock, and numerous other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She is survived by her children, Mark (Kathy) Sernett, Dan (Stephanie) Sernett, Angie (Mike) Kloenne, Jeff (Suzy) Sernett, Lorena (Pedro) Sernett, and Scott (Meg) Sernett; brothers David (Linda) and Charles (Helen), and sister Bernadette. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A wake to honor Carol's life will be held on Monday, July 13th, from 4 - 6 PM with a Rosary to follow at the Powers Funeral Home, 263 Ralston St., Laurens, IA. The funeral will be held on Tuesday, July 14th at 10:30 AM at Resurrection of Our Lord Catholic Church, 202 W. Elm Ave., Pocahontas, IA. Interment will be at the Calvary Cemetery in Laurens, immediately following the funeral service. A luncheon will follow at the Laurens Community Center (former parish center) across from the Powers Funeral Home in Laurens. All are welcome.