Fern L. Yon

Fern L. Yon, 103, Grand Forks, died Tuesday, August 28, 2018 at Tufte Manor, Grand Forks.

Fern Lavina Huset, the daughter of Oscar and Freda (Lohse) Huset was born on April 5, 1915 in Elbow Lake, Minnesota.  She was raised and educated in Strandquist, Minnesota.  Fern continued her education at St. Luke’s Hospital in Fargo where she completed her training to become a registered nurse.  She was employed as an RN in Walker and Warren, Minnesota but spent most of her career as a nurse at the Pioneer Rest Home in Bathgate, ND.

Fern married Arthur Yon on December 4, 1937 in Oslo, MN.  They made their home in Strandquist, MN and later Bathgate, ND, where they lived for 48 years.  In 1993 they moved to Grand Forks.  Arthur Yon died April 17, 2001.

Fern and Art loved to travel and took many trips with friends and family over the years.  Fern eventually realized her dream of visiting every state and capitol in the United States and every province in Canada. They spent many happy winters in Mesa, Arizona.

Fern was known for her beautiful and meticulous embroidery work.  She was seldom sitting down when she didn’t have her embroidery hoop and needle in hand.  Over the years she completed 52 quilts as well as countless tablecloths, pillowcases and dishtowels.  Her dishtowels and pillowcases traveled around the world when they were sent as gifts with missionaries to places like China, Turkey, France and the Czech Republic.  Her handiwork graced many bazaar and silent auction tables, raising funds for several worthy organizations.

Fern was an avid reader and journalist. She kept a diary from the time she was in the 8^th grade until 2015. She was the family historian and chronicled her daily life in her matter-of-fact style.  Events large and small were recorded-the weather, daily chores, visitors, and what she cooked for supper.

Fern’s faith was an important part of her life and she looked forward to spending eternity with her Savior.

Fern’s last couple of years were enriched beyond measure by her friendship with Suzanne Widdell (director of dining at Tufte Manor) and her little Yorkie, Bella.  Bella seldom left Fern’s side and brought her great comfort and joy. The staff at Tufte Manor were like family to Fern and they cared for her with great love and respect.

Fern was the matriarch of a large family and is survived by her children, Chester (Joanne) Yon, Fountain Hills, AZ, and Kathy (Richard) Ramsay, Grand Forks, ND; grandchildren, Pam Galloway of Grand Forks, ND, Penny (Bob) Nemgar of Bemidji, MN, Bill (Tami) Yon of Roseau, MN, Mark (Mary Jo) Ramsay of Bathgate, ND, Joan (Tom) Lano of Fosston, MN, and Julie (Mark) Malmanger of Fosston, MN; 17 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren; sister Grace Kensley of Medford, Oregon; numerous nieces and nephews; and very special friends Suzanne Widdell and Bella.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a brother, Chester Huset, and two sisters, Doris Hartshorn and Lilis Atkerson.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 1, 2018 at Amundson Funeral Home, 2975 S. 42^nd St., Grand Forks with visitation one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.  Interment will be at Forest River Cemetery, Forest River, ND.