Giovanni E. Serena

Giovanni married the love of his life, Louise Lovisa on January 29, 1955. They met on the dance floor and continued dancing their way through life, holding hands, and cherishing each other. Together they decided to immigrate to the United States from Italy, sailing to New York City in May of 1958 and settling in New Orleans before moving to West Des Moines in 1969. They loved spending time with their family, traveling, and cooking together.

To provide for his family, Giovanni was a tile installer who began his career in Italy, working across Europe and Africa, before settling in the United States. He was also considered a jack of all trades. He enjoyed taking things apart and fixing them; even if they didn't need to be fixed, he did it his way. His hobbies included stained glass, painting beautiful landscapes, and making mosaics. Giovanni loved to garden and placed his many homemade bird wind catchers in his flower beds. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and later his great-grandchildren. A specialty of his was homemade Grappa.

Later in life he found his home at Cedar Ridge Village and he really enjoyed the time he spent there.

Giovanni is survived by his children, Lorenzo (Jean) Serena, Gianna Serena; grandchildren, Heidi (Eric) Rodriguez, Jacque Meyer, Milena Serena, and Edward Serena; great-grandchildren, Lilianna and Chance Meyer, Olivia Walker, and Enzo and Elsa Rodriguez; sister, Gabriela Titolo; and brother, Domenic Serena. He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, and one sister.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 am, Friday, May 10th at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Thursday evening at McLaren’s Funeral Chapel with a Rosary at 7 pm. A private family entombment will be at Resthaven Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Unity Point Hospice.