Velma E. (Holland) Vickerman was born on Dec. 18, 1932, in Lake Sarah Township, Murray County, Minn., the daughter of Thomas and Agatha (DeMong) Holland. She attended country school during her elementary years and graduated from Tracy High School in Tracy, Minn., with the class of 1950.

Following her graduation, Velma moved to St. Paul, Minn., where she worked in bookkeeping at Northwest Airlines. During her 6.5 years working with Northwest, Velma was able to travel the United States extensively.

On Aug. 23, 1958, Velma was united in marriage to James Blinkman. The couple made their home in Pipestone, Minn., and were blessed with two daughters, Nancy and Dawn. While in Pipestone, Velma and James owned and operated the bowling alley.

In 1970, the family moved to Fairmont, Minn. Velma loved the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom for her two daughters but also found time to work various secretarial jobs, retiring from Edward Jones.

On Oct. 3, 1995, James passed away. Velma was blessed to find love and companionship when she met and later married Gerald Vickerman on June 12, 1999. The couple was blessed with 22 years of marriage prior to Gerald’s passing on March 6, 2021.

Velma was a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont. She was active in church circle, served as chairperson of the funeral committee for many years and also served as a member of the church council. She was passionate about golf and spent many hours golfing with friends and family at Rose Lake Golf Course where she was a member. Velma was also a member of the Fairmont Women’s Bowling Association and made many lasting memories on trips with the gals to state and national tournaments. She loved exploring new places and loved to travel. Velma was her children and grandchildren’s biggest fan and found great joy in attending their many activities. She was a wonderful cook and knew her way around the kitchen. Her family especially looked forward to special meals such as spaghetti and meatballs served at Christmas. Velma was competitive and was always up for a game of cards or trying a new board game with family and friends.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Nancy (Ron) Benson of Lino Lakes, Minn., and Dawn (Neal) Beck of Fairmont, Minn.; six grandchildren, Grant (Ashley) Galarneau-Becker, Zac

Benson, Tim Benson, Austin Becker, Ben Benson, and Shauna Benson; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Velma was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Agatha Holland; husbands, James Blinkman and Gerald Vickerman; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Chris and Annette Blinkman; sisters, Lavina Huso and June Pauling; brothers, Howard Holland and Thomas Holland.

The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center and UHD Hospice for their kindness and care.

The family requests memorials be made in Velma’s name to Lakeview Methodist Health Care Center, Grace Lutheran Church and UHD Hospice.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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