Fern Secrest

Fern Ann Secrest, 93, Hudson WI, formerly of West Lakeland MN, passed away November 26th at Christian Community Home in Hudson. Fern was born on the Nelson family farm near Lakeland, MN on June 22nd, 1923. She was the fourth child of what would eventually become a family of ten children. She attended grade school in Lakeland and graduated from Stillwater High School. During World War II, she lived in San Diego, CA and worked in the production of aircraft for the war effort. In later years, she proudly displayed her Rosie the Riveter poster.
Fern married Thomas Secrest, June 4th, 1948. Together, they lived and worked on the Secrest family farm in West Lakeland. Fern is survived by sisters-in-law, Lorraine Nelson, Marlene Nelson, and Marge Nelson; and brother-in-law, Don Erfourth. She is lovingly remembered by many treasured nieces and nephews whose childhoods were enriched by visiting Fern and Tom on the farm. They were married fifty-three years. Thomas preceded Fern in death, as did her parents, Anna and John K. Nelson; brothers: Ronald, Merwin, George, Le Roy, and Clifford; sisters: Aileen Rice, Viola Nelson, Kaye Kraft, and Faith Erfourth.
Fern was an accomplished seamstress, often sewing quilts for her church, Trinity Lutheran of Hudson, WI. She created wedding gowns and loved doing alterations for many people in the St. Croix Valley. She was a wonderful gardener, baker, cook, painter, and handy-lady about the farm. There was not a project she would not tackle, always eager to learn new skills. Six nieces and nephews were lucky to grow up next door -- they knew where to go for fresh baked bread and cookies. In retirement, Fern and husband Tommy would winter in Ft. Meyers, FL. They enjoyed traveling - Australia being a favorite.
The family wishes to extend our many thanks to the staff at Christian Community Homes, as Fern was very happy there in her later years, and also to Adoray Home Health and Hospice -Baldwin, WI .
A Celebration of Fern's life will be Saturday, December 3rd at 3 PM, at Trinity Lutheran Church -1205 6th St, Hudson, WI 54016. Visitation One Hour prior to service. Interment Sunday, December 4th, 12:30PM at Lakeview Cemetery, Lakeland MN 55043. Memorials are preferred to Trinity Lutheran Church in Hudson , WI.