Freddie Serna

Fred Serna Sr., 68, of Pueblo, Colorado, passed away on August 9, 2026. Born in Pueblo on August 31, 1957, Fred spent his life close to the people, places, and passions that mattered most to him. Fred was the beloved husband of Janet Serna, known lovingly as “Papa” and “Nana” to their grandchildren. Fred and Janet shared 50 years of marriage and would have celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary in October. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a steady presence within his family—someone who loved quietly, but whose happiness was unmistakable when he was surrounded by the people and things he cared about. He was the father of Ruby Serna and Fred Serna Jr., and father-in-law to Mindy Vigil-Serna. His grandchildren are Ian Vigil, Brenden Vigil, Jaymi Serna, Chuck Serna, and Andrew Serna. Fred worked as a locksmith for approximately 42 years at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, retiring about eight years before his passing. Cars were Fred’s lifelong passion. He loved researching them, working with his hands, restoring older vehicles, and figuring out how to make something work when others might have given up. Over the years, his collection included the 1923 T-Bucket that started it all, a 1938 Chevrolet coupe, a 1968 El Camino, a 1968 Camaro, and a 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS. For more than three decades, the annual NSRA car show became a family tradition, bringing everyone back to Pueblo for several days together. Fred entered his cars in the show through the years and received recognition for them on multiple occasions. What his family will remember more than the cars themselves is the way Fred approached life: being resourceful, remaining curious, always independent-minded, and stubborn in the best sense of the word. He had a “figure it out” mentality and encouraged those around him to question what they were told - not simply to be difficult, but to think ethically, understand things for themselves, and make thoughtful choices. Although Fred was not much of a traveler, he always wanted to hear the stories of those who were. He listened to the places his family had been, the things they had seen, and the lives they were building. He also made a point of checking the grandchildren’s cars before the long drive between the Pueblo and the Denver area, making sure they were safe for the road home. Fred cared for people in quiet, practical ways. He kept a close eye on his inner circle and wanted to know that the people he loved were doing well. He enjoyed baking sweets from time to time, researching anything car-related, and spending time restoring older vehicles. In more recent years, Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches also became a small but treasured tradition with his oldest grandchildren, Ian and Brenden. The song “Kansas City” by Wilbert Harrison will forever carry memories of Fred for his family, just as the sights and sounds of the annual NSRA weekend will continue to bring him to mind. His legacy lives not only in the vehicles he restored, but in the habits, values, questions, skills, and family traditions he passed down to the people who loved him. Fred is preceded in death by his parents, Alfonsa Serna and Abel Serna, by his brother, Micheal Serna, sisters-in-law Juanita Serna, Jeanette Serna, and Mary Garcia, nephew Justin Serna, in-laws Ernest and Rosie Garcia, brothers-in-law Ernie Garcia and Dennis Rodriguez, and loyal grand pup Steve. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Janet Serna, his children Ruby Serna (Clarence Strayhorn), Fred Serna Jr (Mindy), grandchildren Ian Vigil (Alex), Brenden Vigil (Mackenzy), Jaymi Serna (Domanick), Chuck Serna and Andrew Serna. Siblings Frank Serna, Sandra (David) Montoya, and Barbara (Walter) Jones, and close family friend Josh Vigil along with numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and grand pups.

Freddie Serna

August 31, 1957 - August 9, 2026