Joseph D’Anthony Serrano ran into the arms of his youngest son Sam in heaven on December 20th, 2024. Born on May 25, 1967, Joe was the youngest of four children of Alice and Mel Serrano and grew up in Brentwood, MO. He attended Christian Brothers College for high school where he played hockey and met lifelong friends. In the summer of 85’, he left St. Louis with his best friend Curt Press, and they headed south to Tampa (U.S.F.) for college in his beloved VW bus. His windsurfing days short-lived, he returned home to finish his studies at U.M.S.L graduating with a degree in Accounting. After college, he moved to Lawrence, KS for law school at The University of Kansas, where he graduated with a J.D. in 1993. Years later, with a baby at home and full-time job, Joe went back to school for his L.L.M. at UMKC School of Law. Joe met the love of his life, Lindsey Bjorseth, in law school, and following graduation, they moved to Kansas City, bought their first home and started their life together. This upcoming June 24th would have marked 30 years of marriage with love, laughter, loss, and many beautiful moments along the way. Their marriage embodied true, unconditional love which endured life’s many ups and downs. They were at their best in each other’s presence and their true selves with one another.
Joe’s early career included work as an attorney at Lathrop GPM and Dentons law firms where he focused on estate planning. He made the leap into a new practice area, public finance, in 2013 and never looked back. He enjoyed his work as a Partner at Kutak Rock LLP in Kansas City where he headed the Public Finance group. Colleagues, legal peers, and clients who had the privilege of working with him will remember him for his trusted expertise, his dedication, his tireless work ethic, and his reputation for shaping complex public finance deals.
Joe’s three children, Keaton, Margaux and Sam, were his everything. He was so happy to have Keaton’s girlfriend, Anna Haggard, in the family as well. He was a hands-on father-coaching their hockey teams at Carriage Club, cheering from the bleachers, teaching them to tie their skates, fish, build a fire, and countless other life lessons. Joe led by example, pushing them to work hard, overcome life’s challenges, be grateful, to pursue their dreams, and to stay true to their values. He could be counted on for anything - whether it be a late-night ride home, fatherly advice, editing a paper, or giving encouragement when they needed it most. Watching Sam win a hockey championship, Margaux graduate from law school, and Keaton find the love of his life and start a career were big moments, but he cherished every small moment as well. Being their father was his pride and joy, and he always encouraged opportunities to travel, study, and live their best lives beyond what he’d experienced.
Joe found happiness in celebrating other’s accomplishments. His humility and kindness shone through in every conversation. He had the gift of being a wonderful listener, and he remembered the small details which mattered most in your life. He made you feel like you were the most important person in his world. He was genuine in every sense of the word, without pretense, arrogance or material items to distract. You got the real, true Joe in every moment, and he gave his undivided attention and whole heart to those he loved. He was selfless, valued experiences over possessions, and never hesitated to do what was right over self-gain. He was the last to grab his plate at family dinners, but the first to give you a call when you needed him most. Joe was a reliable and loyal friend and always willing to lend a helping hand. He lit up every room he walked into and made everyone in his presence feel valued. Joe’s infectious laugh, welcoming personality, and beautiful smile will be remembered forever.
Joe and his family found peace and happiness at their second home in Santa Barbara, California. Watching the sunset at his favorite spot, Butterfly Beach, was a daily occurrence for Joe - often with family and friends by his side to toast another beautiful day. The preciousness of time was never lost on Joe as the sun dipped below the horizon. He was “living his best life” in this magical setting with visits to the farmer’s market, hikes, oceanside walks, and picnics on the beach. Watching the waves roll in and the vivid colors of a California sunset brought a sense of calm to hectic workdays and a constant reminder of the wonders in life beyond our control and out of our reach.
Joe leaves behind a large, boisterous family full of love and countless dear friends who are grateful to have been touched by his amazing, generous soul. Those who were blessed to have had Joe in their life include his parents, Mel and Alice Serrano, sisters Odean Serrano (and Don Robertson), Shawnean (and Mike) Callihan, and brother Peter (and Patton) Serrano. His Kansas City family includes Judy and Paul Jones, Bob and Ruth Bjorseth, Lori Inman, Bob and Kelly Bjorseth, and Jack and Rita Clifford. Uncle Joe was also adored by his nieces and nephews including Ashley and Keanu Korver (Arie and Rio), Maggie and Molly Callihan, Willow and Roman Serrano, Maggie and Tom Groff (Graham, Georgia, and Griffin), Claire Inman, and Jake, Ben and Bob Bjorseth Jr.. We will miss him terribly as a son, brother, uncle, friend and, most of all, as the father and husband who was the center of our universe.
We know Joe will be with us in the many happy moments ahead, and with each sunset, each ocean wave, each mountain vista, and each eagle that soars the sky, we’ll be reminded to live another beautiful day in his honor. His presence in our lives will be forever felt, and our love for him will transcend this world. His kindness, generosity and selflessness will inspire all of us, and as one neighbor put it best, we should all strive to “Be More Like Joe (BMLJ)” in how we live our lives in the years ahead. We take comfort knowing Joe is soaking up the sunshine, watching his favorite sports games, and laughing with that big, radiant smile – all with Sam and his late brother-in-law Peter Inman by his side.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and medical teams at Saint Luke’s Cardiac ICU who cared for Joe during his time there. The family will hold a private service. Celebration of Life gatherings are being planned for Kansas City and Saint Louis friends and family with details to follow. Donations may be made in Joe’s honor to the Sam Serrano Memorial Fund c/o Greater Kansas City Community Foundation to support causes in their memory.
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