Fern H. Langhoff

Fern H. Langhoff, age 84, of Merrill, passed away on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on July 24, 1941, in Merrill, the daughter to the late Leo and Lillian (Boetcher) Leistikow. Fern attended and graduated from Lincoln County Normal Teachers College in Merrill and went on to UW-Stevens Point to earn her bachelor’s degree. It was in Merrill that Fern met the love of her life, her soul mate -- and the only man who was as stubborn as she was -- Reinhard Langhoff. It was love at (almost) first sight and the two exchanged marriage vows on January 26, 1963, in Merrill. Sadly, Reinhard passed away on July 11, 2024.

Fern was a natural teacher, sharing her wisdom and grace with her family, friends and her nearly four decades of students. She had a kind and fierce spirit, whose persistence was only matched by her patience. From admiring the wonder of the woods to basking in the glory of the night stars to the flower gardens she surrounded herself with, Fern found joy and beauty in everything. Each morning, no matter what the day or the weather, she would look out her window and say, “Isn’t it beautiful.” Fern enjoyed adding to that beauty through painting, crafting, sewing, and gardening. Fern shared her loving spirit with all. Everyone was welcome in her home, and she would lend a helping hand to those who needed it. Most of all, Fern loved her family. She shared in as many of their adventures and accomplishments as she could, filling multiple scrap books with proof of her pride and love. Fern’s quest for life was mirrored in Reinhard and they did everything together: thousands of miles on cross-country motorcycle trips, hunting and trapping in the outdoors they loved and building the home they dreamed of. Fern will be sorely missed but her love and joy for life will never be forgotten.

Fern leaves behind her son: Daniel (Bonnie) Langhoff, daughter: Rebecca (William) Kludy, granddaughters: Sasha (Blake) Everett and Myria Kludy, great grandsons: Ezekiel and Daxon Everett and nephew: Doug (Pam) Iwen. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister: Barbara (Donald) Iwen.

A Celebration of the beauty and wonder of Fern’s life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at her son Dan’s home at N3543 County Road K, Merrill.

A special thank you goes out to the compassionate and supportive staff at Marshfield Medical Center – Weston and to Compassus Hospice.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.