Fern Churness
August 30, 1925 — April 19, 2014
On April 19, 2014 heaven received a new angel. Our beloved mom, grandma, aunt, sister, and friend passed away early Saturday morning with her family by her side.
Fern was born on Aug 30, 1925 to lver and Lillian (Lindberg) Beckstrand in Clearbrook, MN. She graduated from Clearbrook High School in 1943.
Fern married Harvey Churness on May 20, 1945. They raised their family in Toimi, MN and later moved to Two Harbors when Harvey retired.
Fern loved to read, craft, and quilt. Her favorite times were spent with family.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Harvey; son Mark; granddaughter Jaren Rae Martin; brothers Duane, Van, and Carroll Beckstrand; 5 brothers-in-law; 3 sisters-in-law; 3 nieces; and 1 nephew.
Fern is survived by her daughters, Paulene (Dennis) Martin of International Falls, Charline (Vern) Hentz of Minneapolis, Robin (Greg) Hanson, and Leslee (Gary) Carlson of Two Harbors; sons, Mike (Jaren) Churness, and Mitch (Nancy) Churness of Two Harbors; grandchildren, Jolene, Janelle, Jill, Stacy, Aaron, Ron, Randi Jo, Chad, Amy, Jason, Rachel, Sarah, Veronica, Jeff, and Mark; 36 great-grandchildren; brothers, Roger (Gloria) Beckstrand of Bagley and Sheldon (Judy) Beckstrand of Circle Pines; and sisters; Audrey (Calvin) Peterson of Coon Rapids and Melva Patten of Hopkins.
She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Carole Beckstrand, Phyllis (Lloyd) Engen, and Ruth (Helmer) Hanson of Clearbrook, Shirley (Duane) Falardeau of Grand Rapids, Ardella (Marvin) Lindberg of Leonard, Betty (Don) Sorenson of Baudette, Karen (Vern) Vogh of Osakis; brother in law; Melvin (Lila) Churness of Clearbrook; and several nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life for Fern on Sunday, April 27th at 11:00 am at the Two Harbors Community Center.
Graveside services will be held at the Oak Park cemetery in Clearbrook at a later date.
The family would like to extend a sincere thank you to the staff at Ecumen Assisted Living and Nursing Home for the special care given to Fern. We would also like to thank the Lake View Hospital staff and the Two Harbors Ambulance for their emergency care.