Fern P. Vanderford, 95

Fern Vanderford

Blue Earth – Fern Vanderford, age 95, of Blue Earth, formerly of Elmore, passed away peacefully on Dec. 31, 2020 at St. Luke’s Lutheran Care Center in Blue Earth.

Funeral Service was held Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021 at Shiloh Lutheran Church in Elmore, Rev. Robert Roettger officiated. Interment followed in Riverview Cemetery, Elmore. Patton Funeral Home in Blue Earth is entrusted with arrangements. www.PattonFh.com

Fern Phyllis was born on Nov. 14, 1925 to Otto and Rose (Lavitskie) Behnke in Mapleton. She was one of seven children. She married Jim Ward. To this union four sons were born, they later divorced. She then married Duane Vanderford on Jan. 3, 1966. She gained three daughters through this union. Their family was completed with the birth of their daughter Kathy. Fern enjoyed gardening and cooking. She was a member of the church circle and bible study group. She worked for Telex Communications in Blue Earth. Above all her love for family and friends was always first in her mind and heart. Fern is survived by her husband (three days shy of 66 years), Duane Vanderford, of Blue Earth; sons, Harlan (Carol) Ward, of Le Sueur and Gordon (Sharon) Ward, of Mankato; daughters, Debbie (Earl) Kvittem, of Winona, Dixie (David) Ruppert, of Winona, Darlys (Bob) Krulish, of Rochester and Kathy (David) Neswold, of Stewartville; brother, Dale (Pam) Behnke, of Mapleton; sister, Bonnie Schultz, of Mapleton; numerous grandchildren; several great- grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents, Fern is preceded in death by her sons, Gene and Roger Ward; siblings, Duane Behnke, Robert Behnke, Mavis Treanor and Ivadell Armstrong.