Carol A. Serrin

Carol Ann Serrin, age 92, passed away on January 14, 2024 at Glacial Ridge Hospital in Glenwood. She was the daughter of Thomas and Svea (Bjorklund) Stavem, born June 9, 1931 in Ben Wade Township on the Lowry, Minnesota farm that was homesteaded by her grandparents, Trond and Anna Stavem, in the late 1800's. She was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Lowry. After her marriage to Pierce, she became a member of the Glenwood Episcopal Church and taught Sunday school. The church is now at the Museum, and Carol always attended the annual service as one of its long-time members.
Carol attended elementary school in the one-room Lowry schoolhouse. She often reminisced about walking the country roads a mile to and from school daily with her brothers, even in winter. If the weather was too cold or snowy, their father took them by horse and wagon. Carol attended Glenwood High School, graduating in 1949 with honors. After graduation she was thrilled to work all summer at Peters Resort where the girls dressed as Indian maidens and wore braids in their hair, to commemorate the area's Native American lore. She loved living onsite and spending each afternoon on the beach with the girls. She then took a job at NW Bell Telephone until 1957. In 1979 she began working at Pope County State Bank (Eagle Bank) until retiring in 1991.
Carol and Pierce (Pete) Serrin of Glenwood were married in the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa, on November 2, 1951. They purchased land in Long Beach and moved into their new home in 1957 where they raised four children, as well as countless animal orphans who became part of the family, many requiring bottle or eyedropper feedings. It was not unusual for visitors to find raccoons, skunks, talking crows, chipmunks, squirrels, and fox playing in the house, and even an alligator in the bathtub. Over the years many school buses brought children to learn about the animals, and Carol always had peacock feathers ready for souvenirs.
Carol was a member of O.E.S (Order of the Eastern Star) for over 50 years and was active in the local Minnewaska Chapter, serving as an officer many years. In 1966 she was appointed a State Officer and served several offices before becoming Worthy Grand Matron of MN in 1972-1973.
Carol had many hobbies including sewing, crocheting, knitting, reading, and puzzles. She enjoyed gardening, golfing, bowling, and caring for the many birds and animals on the farm. She organized reunions for her GHS Class of 1949 every 5 years and NW Bell every year. She loved volunteering at the Elementary School when her grandchildren were young, and enjoyed being called "Grandma" by all the kids. Carol also had a special love and appreciation for the fine work of the Pope County Museum, which she actively supported, and where she volunteered her time for many years to help their incredible staff preserve and promote the rich, unique history of our local area.
Carol is survived by four children; daughter Sabra Serrin Fawcett (Greg) of Renton, WA, sons Philipp (Pamela) Serrin of Glenwood, MN, David Serrin (Lonna) of Spokane, WA, and Jonathan "Jack" Serrin (Karen) of Glenwood; grandchildren, Andrew Fawcett of Renton, WA, Courtney Holmes (Rob) of Renton, WA, Blaine Serrin (Taylor) of Spokane, WA, Lindell Serrin (Casey) of Everett, WA, Samantha Miller (Jeremy) of Spokane, WA, Dustin Serrin of Glenwood, MN, Brigitta Serrin of Glenwood, MN, and Greta Serrin (Kyle) of Sacramento, CA; eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Carol was preceded in death by her beloved husband Pierce "Pete" Serrin; grandparents, parents; three brothers James, Lawrence (Larry), and John; and sister, Rose (Stavem) Landa.
Carol's family would like to thank all of her devoted caretakers at Holly Ridge for always going the extra mile, including filling her birdfeeders (promptly) for her hungry birds! Also, countless thanks to the extraordinary doctors, nurses, and staff at Glacial Ridge Hospital who cared for her with such compassion, understanding, and skill these last few weeks. You truly made a difference with your extra efforts - not just for her, but for the family as well. Carol's family also has a very special appreciation for her faithful friend, Orlean Dougherty. Carol and Orlean worked together at Eagle Bank for many years, and for the last six years Orlean never missed a day in calling Carol to check on her.
A Memorial Service for Carol will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., in the Episcopal Church at the Pope County Museum. Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.