Maurice A. Fern, age 78, of River Falls, Wis., passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2010, at the VA Hospital in Minneapolis, Minn.
He was born July 28, 1932, in Baldwin, son of Arnold and Cora (Helders) Fern. He grew up in the Baldwin and New Richmond area. Maurice was married to Hazel Von Kuster on July 11, 1953, at St. Bridget Catholic Church in River Falls.
After high school he worked installing siding and roofing houses. He also worked on cargo ships in the Great Lakes. He served in the 11th Airborne Division of the Army from 1952-1954 during the Korean War. Maurice was a carpenter at River Falls Lumber for several years before owning Ferns Woodworking, a custom cabinet making business, which he ran for 20 years. Once retired he worked part-time doing some smaller wood working jobs, fixing campers and helping out at Greenwood Cemetery.
He was a proud member of the American Legion Post 121 for 43 years. He was in the Honor Guard where he marched in parades and represented the Legion at military funerals. Maurice served on the River Falls Volunteer Fire Department and Ambulance Crew for 27 years. He volunteered his time to the Boy Scouts, and many veterans’ related activities such as driving veterans and family members to the VA Hospital in Minneapolis.
Maurice and his wife Hazel loved to travel, and toured 45 states in campers and motor homes through the years. They were members of the River Falls chapter of the Good Sam Club and attended many Good Sam Local and national events. Maurice enjoyed hunting, fishing and fixing things. He could always be relied on for the joke of the day at morning coffee at the South Fork Cafe. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends.
Maurice is survived by his wife, Hazel; daughters, Connie (Gene) Gavin of River Falls and Melanie Johnson of Ellsworth; son, Rick (Julie) of Sartell, Minn.; grandchildren, Chris and Joe Fern, Nicole (Kenny) Bechel of Ellsworth, Adam and Brad Johnson of Ellsworth, Gabe and Ben Fern of Sartell; great-grandchildren, Josh, Jenna and Tyler Bechel, Ella and Olivia Fern; three brothers, Wes (Marg) Fern, Harvey (Betty) Fern, and Kenny (Mary) Fern; and one sister, Delores Lewis.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Don and Clarence Fern; and one sister, Dorothy Peterson.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 31, at St. Bridget Catholic Church in River Falls with Fr. Gerald Harris officiating. Interment will be in St. Bridget Cemetery with pallbearers Chris and Joe Fern, Adam and Brad Johnson, Gabe and Ben Fern. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. at church on Monday and again on Tuesday one hour prior to the funeral service at church.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.cashmanhillfuneralservice.com. Cashman-Hill Funeral Home & Cremation Services of River Falls is assisting the family with arrangements.
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Carolyn M.
08/30/2010 2:09 PM
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Lucille R.
Hazel, My deepest sympathy to you and your family on Maurice's passing away. He worked for my father, Seymour Dahm, in the construction business for many years. He was always the "fun" guy to be cracking the jokes, etc. Our prayers are with you at this sorrowful time in your lives. Lucy Dahm RamshawMount Horeb, WI 09/02/2010 10:48 AM
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