Erika Leigh Thorsnes Schlegel

Erika Leigh Thorsnes Schlegel, 71, of Columbia, passed away in the presence of her loving daughter and her dog Rex on Sunday, September 3, 2023. A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Temples-Halloran Funeral Home, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC, 29212. Chaplain Jude Peck will be present for support. Erika was born on December 31, 1951, to the late Harvey C. and Wanetca T. Wall Thorsnes in Seattle, Washington. Erika proudly served her country by joining the Army in 1972 and serving for five years. She then enlisted in the Navy in 1978 for another five. She was a Registered Nurse and did everything she was able to for the newborns and emergency patients under her care. Erika met her late husband, George “Gary” Schlegel, during her time at Camp Pendleton, where they were both dedicated to helping those with medical needs. Those left to mourn her loss and treasure the memories include her daughter: Sarah “Grace” G. Thorsnes; sisters: Dorothea “DaDa” Pipkin, Jeanie Puglisi (John), and Wanteca “Bonne” Moore, and Fancy Carrillo; brothers: Richard Thorsnes (LuElla), Victor Thorsnes (Barbara), and Dave Langseth (Sheila). She is also survived by a number of beloved nieces and nephews. Erika was preceded in death by her sisters: Susie, Caca, Bobo, Ginger, and Cookie; and her brother: Baby Harvey Thorsnes. Services with military honors will be held at a later date.