Thelma Ann (Erickson) Searcy

Thelma Ann Searcy, age 91, of Glenwood, died Thursday, February 6, 2020, at Bethany on the Lake in Alexandria, MN. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, February 11th, at Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home, with Rev. Randy Chrissis officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Glenwood Lutheran Cemetery. Arrangements are with Hoplin-Hitchcock Funeral Home of Glenwood.

Thelma Ann Erickson, the oldest of five children born to Olaf and Julia (Ronnei) Erickson was born on March 26, 1928 in Barsness Township, Pope County, Minnesota. She grew up on a farm south of Starbuck and graduated from Starbuck High School in 1947. After high school, Thelma moved to Minneapolis, where she met, Orville Searcy. The two were united in marriage on April 2, 1950 at University Lutheran Church of Hope in Minneapolis. Thelma and Orville made their home in St. Louis Park where they were blessed with and raised their two children, Larry and Diane. Thelma was employed at several companies in the Minneapolis area, but worked the longest at Apex Candy in Hopkins where they did the packing for Red Owl.

During their working years, Thelma and Orville spent most weekends at their cabin on Pelican Lake near Glenwood. After their retirement in 1990, they sold their home in St. Louis Park and their cabin and purchased a hobby farm on the edge of Glenwood, where they enjoyed many happy years before Orville’s death on September 19, 2003. Thelma continued to live at home independently until this last November when she suffered a stroke. Following an extended hospital stay, Thelma moved to Bethany on the Lake in Alexandria for therapy. She passed away there on February 6, 2020.

Thelma was a lifelong member of the VFW auxiliary. She enjoyed traveling and was always up for an adventure. Some of her favorite family car trips were to the Rocky Mountains, Yellowstone National Park and Wisconsin Dells. Thelma had a green thumb and grew beautiful flowers in her gardens. She was a wonderful cook and was known for her beautiful crocheted doilies. Thelma especially loved spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was dearly loved and will be missed greatly.

Thelma is survived by her children: Larry (Cheri Hendrickson) Searcy of Hopkins and Diane (Brad) VanZee of Glenwood; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Jessica, Bradley (Angie), Kodi (Scott), Colten (Tamarah), Nick, Noah, Justin, Shelby, Callie, Alexis, Aimee, Norah, Evan and Titus; sister: Marion Braaten of St. Louis Park, Norma Paulson of Champlain and Janice (Jerry) Engerholm of Glenwood; brother, Orrin (Arlene) Erickson of Alexandria; nieces, nephews and other relatives, her beloved dog, Ashley, who was her best friend, and her damn cat.

Thelma was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Orville; and a grandson in infancy.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.