Ferne Osborne

Ferne Eileen Osborn, daughter of Theodore and Mabel (Elstad) Clough was born July 23, 1925, in Deer Park, WI.
At the age of five, Ferne and her family moved to Augusta when her father was transferred to the Augusta Creamery. They made their home on South Stone Street, and Ferne with her 2 sisters attended Augusta Elementary and Augusta High School. She was united in marriage to Clyde Osborn in Eau Claire. Following Clyde's return from service, the couple lived briefly in Menomonie while he attended school. They soon settled back in Augusta, where they made their home. Clyde passed away in 1993, and Ferne remained in the family home that she cherished for a total of 79 years before moving into the Dove Healthcare Assisted Living at the age of 95.
In addition to raising her five children and attending their sporting and extra curricular activities, from 1971 to 1974, Ferne worked for the Augusta School District as a part-time kitchen assistant and later as a full-time cook.
Ferne was a devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church in Augusta, where she taught both Bible and Sunday school and was an active member of the Grace Lutheran Ladies Aid, having served as president. Deeply patriotic, she was a charter member of the Augusta VFW Auxiliary and the Augusta American Legion Auxiliary, holding various offices in each, as well as a member of the DAV Auxiliary. Within her community, Ferne was active in the Augusta Women's Club, serving in several leadership roles, and faithfully served for many years as secretary of the Augusta Nursing Home Board. She also contributed her time and talents to the Friends of the Augusta Library.
At the age of 60, Ferne recognized the need for a senior center in Augusta and took on the challenge of establishing one. She became the first director of the center, a role she held for many years, laying the foundation for programs and services that continue today. Just recently, the center celebrated its 40th anniversary with a special tribute to Ferne and her vision.
Once the building was established, Ferne developed the schedules and programs, coordinated county agencies with the seniors of Augusta, and introduced innovative services such as a telecare program and AARP involvement. She organized fundraisers, recruited volunteers, and was instrumental in starting the community nutrition program in October of 1983. She also arranged daily walks for seniors in the gym, ensuring both physical and social wellbeing.
In addition to her work at the center, Ferne served as field assistant to the director of the "Conversation with the Elderly" program, where she connected with senior centers throughout Eau Claire County and recruited volunteers. She also shared her skills with others by teaching three 10-week crocheting courses through District 1 Technical Institute.
She also attended numerous seminars and workshops, always striving to better serve the seniors and community she cared for so deeply. She also served on several county and state level committees for Senior Center Directors as well as programs to assist the elderly.
Through her service in these many organizations, Ferne worked tirelessly to enrich and strengthen the community she was so proud to call home.
When Ferne found time for herself, she enjoyed the simple pleasures of music, crocheting, reading, and crafts. She also had a love for antiquing and travel, always appreciating the chance to discover something new or meaningful.
When Ferne required additional nursing care, she spent a year at Pine View Care Center in Black River Falls before moving to Augusta Health and Rehabilitation, where she had resided for the past year. It was there that she passed away on Friday afternoon, September 19, 2025, at the age of 100 years, one month, and 26 days.
Ferne is survived by her 3 daughters, Sonya Tourville of Eau Claire, Barbara Tobisch of Bradenton, Florida, Kristi and Brad Kelly of Osseo; 2 sons, James and Lynda Osborn of Altoona, Richard Osborn of Bloomington, Illinois; 8 grandchildren, Charles (Isella) Tourville, Angela (Chad) Demulling, Scotty (Bridget) Osborn, Rick Osborn, Andrew Osborn, Jenny (Rob) Hargis, Robert Lien, Lindsey Kelly (Eli Simion); 13 great grandchildren; sister Nona Williams of Menomonie; several nieces and nephews.
Ferne was preceded in death by her parents, Theodore and Mabel; husband Clyde in 1993; 2 grandsons, Mark Douglas Osborn and Cary Osborn; son-in-law Gary Tourville; sister Shirley (Ken) Beighley, brother-in-law Donald Williams; father and mother-in-law, Scott and Cora Osborn; and Clyde's siblings, Elaine (Bill) Paddock, Gerald (Mary) Osborn
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, at 11:00a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Augusta, with Pastor Jonathan Wessel officiating.
Burial will be in the West Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call one hour prior to services Wednesday at the church.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors and staff at the various facilities where Fern resided over the past five years, as well as to St. Croix Hospice. The full care she received from all of these individuals will always be deeply appreciated.
The warmth, love, and care Ferne received from all of you will never be forgotten. The family is deeply appreciative.