Fern M. Jahnke, 89, of Merrill, passed away Tuesday, January 8, 2013 at Pine Crest Nursing Home under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services.
She was born July 17, 1923 in Merrill, to the late Rudolph & Ella (Sievert) Matthies. On May 15, 1948 she and Ronald Jahnke were united in marriage. He preceded her in death on August 21, 1987.
Fern attended Merrill High School, graduating in 1942. She joined the United States Navy in 1943 and served in Boston until she was honorably discharged in 1946. When she returned from the Navy, she worked as the office manager at the Ravn Clinic in Merrill. Fern was a very active member of Trinity Lutheran Church where she was involved in the Ladies Aid and several Bible Study groups. She was an avid reader, loved to dance and enjoyed gardening.
Survivors include her daughter-in-law: Nancy Jahnke, Lisle, IL; grandson: Steve N. Jahnke, Bolingbrook, IL; sister: Lois Ristau, Merrill; brother: Rev. Richard Matthies, Tucson, AZ; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband: Ronald, one son: Steven R. Jahnke, one grandson: Jarrod Jahnke, two brothers: Robert & Cuban Matthies and two sisters: June Matthies and Janet Blaker.
Services will be held 11:00 AM Friday, January 11, 2013 at Waid Funeral Home Chapel. The Rev. Richard Matthies will officiate. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Merrill Memorial Park. The family requests memorials be given to Trinity Lutheran Church. Waid Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.