Fern A. Beetsch

1929 - 2021

            Memorial services for Fern A. Beetsch, age 91, of Fairmont, MN, formerly of Napa, CA, will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 5, 2021, at the Lakeview Funeral Home in Fairmont.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the time of service from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 5, 2021, at the Lakeview Funeral Home.  Burial will be held at a later date at Napa Valley Memorial Park Cemetery in Napa, CA.  Fern passed away on Sunday morning, April 4, 2021, at Waters Edge Assisted Living in Mankato, MN.  The Lakeview Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Fairmont is assisting the family with arrangements.

        Fern A. (Schultz) Beetsch was born on September 18, 1929, in Fox Lake, Township, rural Martin County, MN, the daughter of Elmer and Frieda Eva (Wohlhuter) Schultz.  She attended school in Fairmont and graduated from Fairmont High School in 1947.  Fern went on to further her education attending Mankato Teachers College where she earned, her teaching certificate in 1950 and following a move to California, Fern completed her bachelor’s degree.

            On August 1, 1951 Fern was united in marriage to Eugene “Gene” Beetsch at St. Paul’s E&R Church in Welcome, MN.  Together the couple made their home in Winnebago until 1967 when they moved to Napa, CA.  Fern taught for many years as an elementary school teacher focusing most of her time teaching the 3rd grade.  In 2017, Fern moved back to Minnesota to be closer to family.

            Fern treasured her quiet time and could often be found reading a new book, knitting, or working on needlework.  Her thirst for knowledge led to a passion for genealogy.  Fern also loved visiting and a friendly game of bridge with family and friends.  She was a member of the Napa Retired Teachers Association.

            Left to cherish her memory is her sister, MaryAnn Janssen of Ceylon, MN; nephew, Dale Janssen of Dunnell, MN; nieces, Julie (Russ) Laue of Fairmont, MN, Lisa (Steve) Bohler of Crookston, MN; great-nieces and nephews, Jennifer (Jeremy) Jacob, Michael (Amy) Laue, Erica (Matt) Berhow, and Katelyn (Mike) Steeves; sister-in-law, Jean Beetsch of Mankato, MN, as well as many other extended family and friends.

            Fern was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Frieda Schultz; husband, Gene Beetsch; brothers, Donald Schultz and Lyle Schultz; and a brother-in-law, Donald Janssen.