Fern Philipp, 93, died on Sunday, June 3, 2007 at Oakland Park Communities in Thief River Falls, MN.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM Friday, June 8, 2007 at Bethany Lutheran Church rural Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Robert Dahlen officiating. Burial will follow at Bethany Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 7, 2007 from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River falls, MN. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the funeral at church.

Fern Emelia Nelson was born on July 15, 1913 in Grand Plain Township, Marshall County, Minnesota the daughter of Ole and Amanda (Karlsson) Nelson. She was baptized and confirmed at Germantown Zion Lutheran Church and attended Germantown District 120 School.

On October 25, 1941 Fern was united in marriage to Lawrence Philipp in Mavie, Minnesota. The couple farmed in Grand Plain Township together while renting a farm in Excel Township, Marshall County until 1949. In 1949 they purchased a farm in Smiley Township and farmed until the time of Lawrences death in 1999.

Fern had a special gift for serving others. She was a devoted wife and mother, enjoyed entertaining friends and family, especially during the holidays, and hosting family reunions. She was a faithful member of Bethany Lutheran Church and was active in the Bethany Ladies Aid. Ferns mother lived with the family from 1951 until 1966, when she moved to the Valley Home. Fern had a passion for raising flowers and was admired by many for her beautiful flower garden which her mother helped maintain, with equal passion. In later years, when the nest was empty, she cared for others by working in the Valley Home. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy and they always put a smile on her face.

Fern is survived by three children, Wallace Philipp and his wife, Thelma of Peoria, Illinois, Gloria Blazina and her husband Ken, of Thunder Bay, Ontario, and Ronald Philipp and his wife, Lois of Thief River Falls, Minnesota; six grandchildren, Kurt Philipp and his wife, Angie, Steve Philipp and his wife, Renae, Kerstin and Aaron Blazina and Jason and Amanda Philipp; four great-grandchildren, Richard and Greta Philipp, Kole and Kamerin Philipp, step great grandchildren, Sam, Ben and Hannah Pahlen; and one step great great grandchild, Jace Seeger; and twelve nieces and nephews.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, an infant sister and Mildred; seven brothers, Ernest, a twin brother Floyd, Lawrence, Carl, Burton, Milton and John.

CASKETBEARERS: Ferns grandchildren, Kurt Philipp, Steve Philipp, Kerstin Blazina, Aaron Blazina, Jason Philipp and Amanda Philipp
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Ferns great-grandchildren, Richard and Greta Philipp, Kole and Kamerin Philipp, step-grandchildren, Sam, Ben and Hannah Pahlen and great-great grandchild Jace Steeger