Wesley W. ‘Wes’ Fern

Wesley “Wes” William Fern, age 89 of Roberts, WI, passed away Saturday, April 27, 2013 at his residence surrounded by his family.  Wes was born April 14, 1924 in Baldwin, WI; the son of Arnold and Cora (Helders) Fern.  He graduated from Baldwin High School, the class of 1941.  He proudly served his country in the US Army from January 1946 to March 1947.  Wes was united in marriage to Marjorie Elaine Hillary on November 4, 1950 at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa.  Their marriage was blessed with 3 children, Sandy, Wayne and Charlene.  Wes provided for his family on their farm near Willow River State Park and as a forklift operator with St. Croix Storage.

Wes enjoyed the beauty of the outdoors- pan fishing at Willow River and deer hunting.  He also enjoyed his time on his John Deere tractors on the farm.  He was an avid sports fan- proud Green Bay Packer and Badger fan.  Wes was a member of the Hudson VFW for many years.  Wes cherished his time with his grandson, Dylan.  Wes was a patient, calm, kind, humble and very gentle man.  He will be dearly missed.

Wes will forever remain in the hearts of his wife, Marjorie; daughters, Sandy (Don) Jorgenson and Charlene (Scott) Wittek; grandson, Dylan Wesley Wittek; brothers, Kenneth (Mary) Fern of New Richmond and Harvey (Betty) Fern of Champlain, MN; sister-in-law, Hazel Fern of River Falls; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Wayne; brothers, Don, Clarence and Maurice Fern; sisters, Dorothy Peterson and Delores Lewis; sisters-in-law, Mae,  Elaine and Gloria; brothers-in-law, Art Peterson and Gaylord Lewis.

A Celebration of Wes’ Life will take place 11:00 AM Wednesday, May 1, 2013 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1097 Scott Rd., Burkhardt, WI, with Pastor Marilyn Thurber officiating.  A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held from 9:30 AM until the time of the service.  A luncheon reception will immediately follow the service at Redeemer Lutheran Church.  Interment with military honors will take place at Willow River Cemetery in Hudson.  Honorary pallbearers assisting with the services will be:  John Schommer, Dick Zezza, Ron Rimer, Ken Klanderman, Darrel Rothe and Ted Schoenhals.   Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson (715) 386-3725.