Pierce “Pete” Serrin passed away on December 30, 2017, at the Glenwood Retirement Village, at the age of 90 ½. He was the son of Franklin Pierce and Irene (Philipp) Serrin, born May 28, 1927 in Glenwood, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Glenwood, where his grandparents were early members in the late 1800’s. The church is now located at the Pope County Museum, and in 2010, Pete repaired the damaged old white cross so that it could be re-installed above the bell tower.

Pete attended elementary and high school in Glenwood, graduating in 1945. Upon graduation he was immediately inducted into the U.S. Army. After basic training he was deployed to Korea for occupation following the end of WWII, and served with the 20th Inf. Reg. as Communications Chief. He was honorably discharged in January 1947. He then attended NDSU in Fargo, North Dakota, where he studied architecture for two years before becoming employed on the Soo Line Railroad in Glenwood as Fireman, then Engineer, and retiring in 1986.

Pete and wife Carol (Stavem) 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. Pete was an animal lover and was well-known throughout the state for his “animal whispering” and Serrin Game Farm. He had a variety of animals over the years, starting with sheep, goats, horses, deer, waterfowl and exotic birds, and finally elk and buffalo.  He tamed many wild animal orphans including chipmunks, squirrels, raccoons, skunks, fox, and crows that learned to talk. It was not unusual for visitors to find wild animals as part of the family in the house. Pete was also known for his animated story-telling skills and his incredibly detailed knowledge of the old history of Glenwood, faculties that he retained until his death. He was a “life-long student” and an avid reader of anything historical or non-fiction. He was also extremely proud to be a member of the Masons, Eastern Star, American Legion, and VFW.

Pete is survived by his wife Carol; daughter Sabra Serrin Fawcett (Greg) of Fall City, WA, and sons Philipp Serrin of New Hope, MN, David Serrin (Lonna) of Spokane, WA, and Jonathan “Jack” Serrin (Karen) of Glenwood; grandchildren Andrew Fawcett of Issaquah, WA, Courtney Holmes (Rob) of Renton, WA, Blaine Serrin (Taylor) of Spokane, WA, Lindell Serrin (Casey) of Seattle, WA, Samantha Miller (Jeremy) of Spokane, WA, Dustin Serrin of Glenwood, MN, Brigitta Serrin of Seaside, OR, and Greta Serrin of Columbia, MO; eight great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews who considered him to be a “legend”. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and one sister, Mary Serrin Dobbin Church.

A Memorial Service will be held on Memorial Day, May 28th at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church on the Pope County Museum grounds. Due to the small church overflow outdoor seating with speakers will be set up. Burial with military honors will be at Glenwood Cemetery following the service and fellowship. 

 Service Information