Jose “Manuel” Serrano, 87, of North Platte, passed away on May 20, 2022. He was born on November 29, 1934, in Brownsville, Texas, the son of Gregorio and Leonarda (Dela Cruz) Serrano.
Manuel worked many odd jobs as a migrant worker in Texas and Nebraska before he was hired in 1962 as a maintenance worker for the Union Pacific Railroad in North Platte, Nebraska. He retired with over 38 years of service. Manuel was a very dedicated and hard worker. He was always first on the job and the last to leave. Manuel had pride in never missing work. He married Nellie “Chita” Navarrete of North Platte and together they shared a life, created a home, and raised nine children.
Fishing was a big part of Manuel’s life. He enjoyed night fishing with his sons and nephews. He loved family gatherings and appreciated his visits with his many friends. Manuel always had the largest garden on the block and enjoyed sharing with family and friends.
Those left to cherish Manuel’s memory are his children, Joan Navarrete of North Platte, Dora (Pete) Martinez of Snellville, GA, Ruthie Dye (Felipe Martin) of Terryville, GA, Sandra (Kermit) Williams of North Platte, Lorraine Serrano (Miguel Medina) of Garden City, KS, Joe V. Serrano Jr. of North Platte, Jimmy (Becky) Serrano of North Platte, Jerry (Cindy) Serrano of Raymond, NE; along with many grandchildren and great grandchildren; as well as many loved nieces, nephews, and friends.
Manuel is preceded by his wife, Nellie “Chita” Serrano in 2001; son, David L. Navarrete in 1992; parents, Gregorio and Leonarda (Dela Cruz) Serrano; sisters, Antonia Marie Cochran, Mary “Chicha” Serrano and Nicki Serrano; brothers, George Serrano and Tony Serrano.
Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com and memorials are encouraged to the North Platte Fish Hatchery.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, May 27, 2022, at 10 a.m. at North Platte Berean Church with Reverend John Stone officiating. Burial will follow at North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2022, from noon to 7 p.m. with family present from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in care of arrangements.