Fern Swaer

Swaer, Fern

Fern Swaer, age 96, passed June 23, 2015 to join her husband Francis and family in heaven. Mom was born in Green Bay to John and Laura Walls on December 12, 1918. She and Dad were married on June 1, 1935 and able to celebrate 68 years together. They lived in Pensaukee where they raised their family of four. Upon retirement they moved to Oconto. After dad died Mom moved to Woodside Oaks and later to Woodside Manor Two in Green Bay.

Mom treasured the friends she had in Pensaukee, Oconto, Green Bay and Florida and looked forward to their continued visits, phone calls, and cards.

Mom liked flowers, gardening, baking, reading and helping others. Helping others led to her employment at Oconto Hospital for many happy years with many wonderful friends. She also worked for Dr. F. E. Zantow, who became a great friend as did his wife. After "retiring" Mom was First Mate to Dad and did commercial fishing on his boat for 10 summers. They were able to spend many winters in Florida until Dad had health problems.

Survivors include two daughters: Gloria (Paul) Zimmerman and Kathleen (Harold Jacobs) Pagel; son-in-law Dennis Gauger and daughter-in-law Jean Swaer; grandchildren: Mary Ellen Swaer, Tom Pagel, Larry (Pastor Jacqui Edwards) Pagel, Daniel Pagel (Thomas Thomas), Joey (Melissa) Gauger; great grandchildren: Kenton Marin, Casey Krueger, Hannah Cook, Kayla, Krystyna, Larysa Pagel and Jordan Gauger. She is further survived by sister-in-law: Marian Walls; two nephews: Eugene (Dorothy) Walls, David (Diane) Schultz; a very dear niece: Jackie Lemens, who was like a daughter; as well as other relatives.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband: Francis; son: Edward; daughter: Patricia Gauger; sister and brother-in-law: Delores and Arnold Schultz; brothers: Willard Larsen and Ervin Walls; granddaughter Jackie Swaer.

Hansen Funeral Home is assisting the family with the memorial service which will be held on Thursday, July 2 at First American Lutheran Church, 511 Madison St., Oconto, WI with Pastor Mary Zupansic. Visitation from 10:00 A. M. until the time of the service at 11:00 A.M. Family and friends are welcome to gather after the service in the church dining room for a luncheon and a celebration of Fern's life.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Unity Hospice, Woodside Lutheran Homes, First American Lutheran Church, or Humane Society - location of your choice. Her family deeply appreciates the care she received from Dr. Bruce Fenster, Dr. Heather Stanko and Dr. Sue Piechowski (retired), Unity Palliative and Hospice Care, and the staff members of Woodside Oaks, Woodside Manor Two, and Woodside Nursing Home.