Merlen J. Fernstaedt, age 85, of rural Argyle, WI, passed away Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg, WI. He was born May 11, 1929 in Wayne Township in Lafayette County, WI, the son of C. Herman and Emile (Krupke) Fernstaedt. Merlen graduated from Lena High School in 1947. He grew up and lived in Winslow, IL, until his marriage to Mona Klaas on December 19, 1948 at Salem Church in Lena, IL. Following their marriage Merlen and Mona moved to Orangeville, IL, where they farmed until moving to Argyle in 1978. They farmed in Adams Township until 1997.
Merlen is survived by his five children: Marsha (Gary) Lindmark of Rochelle, IL, Mark (Linda) Fernstaedt of Magnolia, DE, Monica (Stephen) Coon of Freeport, IL, Morris Fernstaedt of rural Argyle and Marlys (Mike) Slater of Crest Hill, IL; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two brothers: Lester (Carol) Fernstaedt of Loves Park, IL, and Arden (Lois) Fernstaedt of Bonita Springs, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Mona on May 20, 2013; two brothers: Glenn Fernstaedt and Irvin Fernstaedt; and two sisters: Elda Burris and Dorothy Metcalf.
Merlen attended Monroe United Methodist Church in Monroe, WI. He was a supervisor on Adams Township Board for many years. Merlen was a past board member of Green County Farm Bureau and National Holstein Association. He was also a past member of J.R. Scrogg Odd Fellows Lodge #372 in Orangeville. Merlen enjoyed model rail roads.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 31, 2014, at 12:00 p.m. at Monroe United Methodist Church, 2227 4th Street in Monroe with Rev. Randy Booth officiating. A visitation will be held Saturday, May 31, 2014, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Argyle is serving the family. Online Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.erickisonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Merlen's name.
Merlen is survived by his five children: Marsha (Gary) Lindmark of Rochelle, IL, Mark (Linda) Fernstaedt of Magnolia, DE, Monica (Stephen) Coon of Freeport, IL, Morris Fernstaedt of rural Argyle and Marlys (Mike) Slater of Crest Hill, IL; 11 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and two brothers: Lester (Carol) Fernstaedt of Loves Park, IL, and Arden (Lois) Fernstaedt of Bonita Springs, FL. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Mona on May 20, 2013; two brothers: Glenn Fernstaedt and Irvin Fernstaedt; and two sisters: Elda Burris and Dorothy Metcalf.
Merlen attended Monroe United Methodist Church in Monroe, WI. He was a supervisor on Adams Township Board for many years. Merlen was a past board member of Green County Farm Bureau and National Holstein Association. He was also a past member of J.R. Scrogg Odd Fellows Lodge #372 in Orangeville. Merlen enjoyed model rail roads.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 31, 2014, at 12:00 p.m. at Monroe United Methodist Church, 2227 4th Street in Monroe with Rev. Randy Booth officiating. A visitation will be held Saturday, May 31, 2014, from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. The Erickson Funeral Home and Cremation Services in Argyle is serving the family. Online Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.erickisonfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Merlen's name.