Fern J. Sturgis

Fern J. Sturgis, age 82 of Redford, Michigan and formerly of Westby, died Thursday, November 27, 2008. Fern J. Sturgis, age 82, passed away on Thursday, November 27, 2008 in Redford Michigan following a long period of illness. She was born January 16, 1926 to Selmer and Olga (Role) Ronken in Hamburg Township, Vernon County, Wisc. She graduated from high school in Westby, Wis. in 1944 and attended the Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing in Eau Claire, Wis. Following graduation in 1947 she continued to work at Lutheran Hospital as a surgical nurse and attended a surgical nursing course at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. In the 1950s she moved to Michigan to be closer to her brothers family and worked at Community Hospital in Battle Creek before moving on to Detroit to attend Wayne University where she earned both her Baccalaureate and Master of Science in Nursing Degrees. While attending school she worked at Henry Ford Hospital. After graduation she remained at Wayne University as an instructor in the Nursing department, a position she held for 21 years. Fern officially retired in 1988, but remained active with volunteer work until her illness caused her to slow down. She was busy with the World Medical Relief program, Friends of the Livonia Library, and many other activities through her church, Redford Presbyterian. Fern was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. In 2003 she was honored with an award from the City of Livonia Michigan as "Volunteer of the Year". Also after retirement she enjoyed traveling throughout the world including such places as Russia, China and Australia.She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Virgil and many aunts, uncles and cousins.She leaves to mourn her niece, Cindy (Mike) Powell of Battle Creek, MI; her nephews: David (Napa) Ronken of Las Vegas, Nevada, Dan (Carol) Ronken of Lima, Ohio, Paul Ronken of Three Rivers, MI; and her sister-in-law, Betty Ronken of Battle Creek, MI. She also leaves great nieces and nephews.Services were held at Northrup Funeral Home in Michigan for her friends and family in Michigan. Local services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at the Vosseteig Funeral Home, 708 S. Main Street, Hwy 14 S. in Westby for friends and family to bless her memory. Burial will be in the Lower Coon Valley Church Cemetery where Fern was baptized and began her early years of life. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of large floral tributes, Ferns wishes were that contributions be made to Vang Lutheran Church or The Lower Coon Valley Lutheran Church. The Vosseteig Funeral Home of Westby is serving the family.