Fern Ida Connely

Fern Ida Connely, age 91 of Viroqua, died Tuesday December 17, 2019. Fern Ida Connely, age 91 of Viroqua, died Tuesday December 17, 2019, at the Bland Bekkedal Center for Hospice Care, surrounded by loved ones and caregivers. Fern was born May 18, 1928 in rural Soldiers Grove (Crawford Co.) to Archie and Ethel (Hutchcroft) Maybee. She attended Bear Creek and Soldiers Grove Schools. Fern was married on April 22, 1944 in Soldiers Grove to James L. Connely. Fern was a sales representative for Avon and Amway for many years; she worked at Sunrise Orchards, and was employed by Sannes Skogdalen Nursing Home for 20 years. After retiring she continued working a labor of love volunteering at Sannes Skogdalen for another 10 years. Fern was a lifelong member of Community of Christ Church (43983 Co. Rd. X) south of Soldiers Grove. She volunteered each summer during Vacation Bible School and loved working with the young children. She was an active member of Homemakers and attended Happy Huggers grief social group. Fern continues to be survived by her five children, Karen (Larry) Tally, Vicki (Jim) Dull, Dennis (Connie) Connely, Shelly (Rollie) Birkelo, Becky Baumgartner; 11 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; her brother, Terry (Kim) Maybee; her sisters-in-law, Joan (Bud) Kissack, Doris Thompson, La Von Maybee and Harriet Maybee; as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death are her husband James; her parents; sisters Irene Dull and Janice Dregne; four brothers Harland and Cecil Maybee and two infants; sisters-in-law Carol Maybee, Gloria Maybee, Audrey Adams and Virginia Connely; brothers-in-law Gail Connely and Dick Connely; also great-granddaughter Lauren Bauman. Funeral Services for Fern will be Saturday, December 21, 2019 at 12:00 noon, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1004 W. Broadway St. in Viroqua. Pastor Michelle Engh and Pastors Barb Duke and John Johnson of Community of Christ Church will officiate. Friends may call during a visitation from 10:00 until noon also at the church. A reception in Ferns honor will follow the service. In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials should be directed to the Community of Christ Church, Soldiers Grove, or to Bland Bekkedal Center for Hospice Care, in Ferns name. On-line condolences may be offered at www.vossfh.com The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home, 123 W. Decker St., in Viroqua is serving the family. (608) 637-2100.