Fern M. Kreif
The sign on her “condo” door read:
Genuine Antique Person
Been There
Done That
Can’t Remember
As Fern started her end of life journey she would sometimes say she felt lost, lost in the woods. Then God gave her directions to come home to enjoy eternal life in His Kingdom of Heaven. Fern Marie Kreif (Johnson) arrived at her destination on November 21, 2019, where she is probably playing Sheepshead with family and friends who arrived there before her.
Fern was born on May 10, 1924 in the Town of Eden to the late Harold and Doris Johnson (Wrucke). She married Jerome L. Kreif on April 28, 1951 at Reformed Church in Campbellsport.
Fern attended Glen Valley School and graduated from Campbellsport High School in 1942. She worked at Campbellsport Bakery, West Bend Woolen Mills, Raymond’s Grocery in Campbellsport, The West Bend Company, and retired after working twenty-one years at Regal Ware.
Fern enjoyed Sheepshead (some could say she was a Sheepshead aficionado), community bingo, Christmas family bingo, XYZ card club, couponing for the family special grocery store, making tubs of cookies for the guys’ fishing trips, word searches, gardening with her husband, vending at the farmers market, special trips to Fond du Lac, and visiting with everyone.
As her short-term memory faded, her long-term memory, humor and wit remained sharp. Fern had a deep faith in God and family; and a great “gotta be” attitude.
Fern’s greatest pride and joy was family. She always said she had kings over queens (three boys and two girls): Karen (Tom) Kissinger of Markesan, WI; Kenneth (Mary) Kreif of Derby, KS; Kathie (Phil) Beisbier of Naperville, IL; Kelvin (Laurel) Kreif of West Bend, WI; and Kim Kreif and his special dog, Maisy of Brodhead, WI. Grandchildren: Jeff (Jeni) Kissinger, Jennifer Hill, Theresa Kreif (Mark Archibald), Sandy Kreif, Brad (Tera) Beisbier, Anna Kooi, Kelly (Jeff) Lahl, and Mindy (John) Wardman. Great-grandchildren: Devin Kissinger; Tori and Breana Carlson; Bennett, Kingsley and Thatcher Beisbier; and Drew, Ella and CarliAnn Kooi. Step-great-grandchildren: Anthony, Josephine and Marcella Hill. Great-great-grandchildren, Jurni and Juelz (Carlson) Cathey and Zakai Hill-Nunnery.
Fern is also survived by a sister, Evelyn DeSmidt of West Bend, WI; and a brother, George (Dorothy) Johnson of Sebring, FL; a sister-in-law, LaVerne Johnson of Grafton, WI; and many other relatives, friends and her Peace UCC family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome; her sisters, Mildred Kreif, Lois Straub, Faye Wallenfelz, and Darlene Shaudvitis; her brothers, Norman and Donald Johnson; great-grandson, J.J. (Jerome Jack) Kooi; and grandson-in-law, Desmond Hill.
Fern’s family would like to thank Pastor Eric, Pastor Bob, the staff at Serenity Villa V, St. Joseph’s Hospital in West Bend and Kathy Hospice for the loving care and support given to our mother.
A graveside service with interment of cremains will take place at a later date.
Memorials honoring Fern’s life may be made to Peace United Church of Christ (343 First Street – Kewaskum, WI 53040).
Myrhum-Patten Funeral and Cremation Services has been entrusted with Fern’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.
