Fern Williams, 92, of Thief River Falls, MN passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021 at her home.

Private family services will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2021 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, MN with Rev. Genelle Netland officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls. A Celebration of Life is planned for this coming summer when friends and family can safely gather to more fully commemorate Fern's earthly life.

Fern Phyllis Hanson was born February 15, 1929 at Mercy Hospital in Thief River Falls, MN the daughter of Edwin and Valborg (Engelstad) Hanson. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith. Fern grew up in Rocksbury Township, Pennington County, MN and lived with her parents, siblings and grandparents on the Peder and Mathilde Engelstad homestead. She attended Rosehill District 165 Country School in Rocksbury Township and graduated from Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls with the class of 1946.

Following high school, Fern attended vocational schooling in Minneapolis. She stayed with her cousin Alice (Bill) Munt. She returned to Thief River Falls in 1947 and worked for the Soo Line Railroad at the Thief River Falls Depot.

On October 2, 1948, Fern was united in marriage to Russell Williams at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. They raised their two children, Douglas and Debra.

Fern worked at the Falls Starkow Clinic beginning in the mid 1950s until her retirement on February 1, 1994.

Fern was an active member and dedicated volunteer of Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a very active member of the Benevolent, Patriotic Order of Does where she held many offices at the local and state level, including serving as state president. Fern served on the board of the Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village.

Fern, Russ and their family enjoyed numerous camping trips each summer in the state and provincial parks of Minnesota and Canada. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles in ink, collecting antiques especially depression glass, needle crafts, bird watching, and traveling with Russ to visit family. She was especially jazzed when spending time with her five grandchildren. After Russ's passing, she spent many winter vacations in Arizona with Deb's family.

Fern was a delightful combination of contrasts. She loved history but was always interested in learning new things. Fern was thoughtfully intelligent but a minute later she could be joyously silly. She was calm and sweet as well as actively directive. Fern loved the outdoors and driving through the countryside but was also content sitting indoors engaged in quiet activities. She was highly organized but willing to take on new challenges. She was a life-long learner, anticipating each new day.

Survivors include her son, Dr. Douglas (Kim) Williams of Bemidji, MN; daughter, Debra (Mike) Schmit of Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Baret (Dane) Williams-Furfaro, Kari (Mark Bailey) Williams, Marin (Dustin) Oldenburg, Matt Schmit, and Jesse Schmit; great-grandchildren, Nilla, Kai, Espen, Sawyer and a fifth to arrive in August; sister-in-law, Lois Williams; next door neighbor and wonderful friend for over one-half century, Wanda Murphy; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Russell; parents; siblings, Pearl Hanson, Florence Hanson, Anna (Bill) Huber, and Dennis Hanson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church and Peder Engelstad Pioneer Village.