Cover photo for Donald Fern's Obituary
Donald Fern Profile Photo

Donald Fern

October 1, 1926 — January 19, 2021

Golden Valley, Minnesota

Donald Fern

Donald Arthur Fern, age 94, died suddenly on January 19, 2021.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, January 27 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Marvin Enneking officating. The Mass will be livestreamed via the Church of St. Mary in Melrose. https://youtube.com/channel/UCOaO5vHh2v0cSsjkQdqqj3w

Visitation will be held from 10:30 to 11 a.m. at the church in Melrose.

Born October 1, 1926 in Melrose, Minnesota to parents Joseph J. and Katherine (Zenz) Fern.  Don graduated from Melrose High School in1944. He enlisted in the Navy August 4, 1944 and served as a radioman on the USS BOSTON CA 69. Don participated in the first bombardment of the main islands of Japan and was honorably discharged from the Navy on June 8, 1946. He was employed at the Veterans Administration, Fort Snelling in December 1946. Retired in October 1981 after 31 years of service. He enlisted in the 103rd Infantry Div. Army Reserve Band three years prior to the Korean outbreak. Don was never called to active duty as a reservist and received an Honorable discharge.

Don married Ruby C. Pierson on February 22, 1955. He was very active in several sporting groups. Don was a Certified Minnesota Firearms safety instructor since 1985. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Melrose Post 101, lifetime member of Monticello Rod & Gun Club, and an Honorary Member of the Delano Sportsmen’s Club.

Survivors include many dear cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Don was preceded in death by his parents; spouse, Ruby; brothers, Robert, Vernon, Richard; and sisters, Irene Verbeke, Alyce Maahs and Rosalia Smith.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Fern, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Visitation

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

10:30 - 11:00 am

St. Mary's Catholic Church

755 E Kraft Dr, Melrose, MN 56352

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Mass of Christian Burial

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

Starts at 11:00 am

St. Mary's Catholic Church

755 E Kraft Dr, Melrose, MN 56352

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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