Fern J. Thompson, age 91, a resident of Traditions of Frederic, Frederic, WI, passed away on September 6, 2019.  She was born on April 22, 1928, at her parent’s farm in the Bass Lake community near Grantsburg, WI.  She was the youngest daughter of Amanda (Moan) and A. Martin Thompson.

Fern was baptized at Bethany Lutheran Church September 1, 1928, and was confirmed there on May 2, 1943.  She attended Bass Lake School and graduated from Grantsburg High School in 1946.  After high school she worked in Minneapolis for several years.  In 1949 she began a 44-year career at the Inter-County Leader in Frederic, retiring in 1993.  She lived on the family farm in Bass Lake until 1958 when the family moved to Frederic.

Fern was a life-long caregiver.  After the death of her sister, Hazel, Hazel’s husband and 4-year-old son moved in with Fern, her sister, Vi, and her parents.  She helped care for them while working full-time, and later she and Vi took care of their parents.  When Vi was older and needed care, Fern was there.  She never married or had children of her own, but she was a loving aunt to her nieces and nephews, and later to their children.  There were always baked goods to be enjoyed when visiting her home, and the box of toys that had been enjoyed by several generations was brought out to play with.

She was a member of Bethany Lutheran Church all her life.  She was involved in many activities at the church including circle and quilting.  She enjoyed putting together scrapbooks, photo albums, embroidery and quilting.  She took several trips over the years including one trip to Hawaii with her cousin, Eldora, and a trip to the Grand Canyon.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Stanley; sisters, Hazel Larson, Mabel Streed, Myrtle Streed and Violet Thompson; nephew, Steve Larson; nephew, Jerry Streed; and great-nephew, Eric Munson.

She is survived by her sister, Muriel Petersen; nieces, Janice (Keith) Olsen, Marilyn Meador and Linda (John) Munson; nephews, Tom (Andrea) Streed and Larry (Liz) Petersen; many grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.   

Funeral services will be held at Bethany Lutheran Church, 22384 State Road 48/87, Grantsburg, WI, on Wednesday, September 11 - visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. with the service to follow at 2:00 p.m.  Fern will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery in Grantsburg following the service.  Lunch will be served at church following burial. Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home, 715-327-4475 .

Last Update: Sep 09, 2019 7:17 am CDT