Obituary
Fern grew up in Fairy Glen area and then in Brockington where her parents farmed, along with her two sisters Jeannette and Vera and one brother Lloyd. Her special memories where sports days, Christmas concerts and Santa Claus showing up with goody bags. She Loved the Friday night dances to raise money for the school projects. She loved the horse and toboggan rides to school. After leaving school she moved into Melfort and started work. On July 17, 1954 she married Lawrence Skiftun, who past away in 1985. She had one son Lonnie. Lonnie was close to his mom, they had that special bond. However, her world came crashing down when she lost her only child on October 15, 1984, her son Lonnie. Her heart was broken. And life changed from that moment forever.
Fern worked at various jobs throughout her working life, most being at Beesons bookstore and then later at Robinson in Melfort. She enjoyed working at jobs where she could meet and greet people, something we all know she was very good at. She made many friends and she made special friends; they became her life long friends, who she spoke of often.
Fern enjoyed traveling, she loved her winter trips to Arizona with Ken and meeting so many friends. She and Ken would travel to Minot to Host fest for over 30 years and enjoyed every moment. They loved to travel and meet families in Algodones, Mexico. They would sometimes be invited to their homes and have a feast, she loved them dearly. She met and made so many friends in their travels and kept in contact with their camping friends.
There weren’t very many Rider games she missed, some days it was more fun watching her than the game.
She enjoyed spending time with family and friends playing cards and singing and listening to the old time records. Fern was proud of her Norwegian heritage she would always make sure the Norwegian prayer was said before we ate especially if all the family were together. She loved her lutefisk and lefsa and was the best cook to make it taste great.
Fern was very involved in the Brockington Ladies Aide.
Fern was a special person to many people. I’m sure if she was called anything other than Auntie Fern it was not often, she was not just Fern. She was loved for her sense of humor and her welcoming smile. So many share wonderful times with Aunty Fern, lot of laughs, lots of tricks. Fern had a few sayings we will always remember: Uffda, What Ever, good for nothing and hard on grub.
She will be sadly missed and remembered for her passion for life, her sense of humor, her love of music and dancing. Whenever you would stop at her home – you were welcomed with open arms, always enjoying a refreshment while sharing stories of the day. It didn’t matter if she was at the cabin at Candle Lake, the Motorhome in Arizona or her house here in Melfort, she always made sure you were comfortable.
We Love you, Mom, Auntie Fern and our friend!!!!!
Fern is survived by her best friend and partner Ken Erickson, her family Bonnie (Greg Brataschuk) Erickson; Derek (Aleshia Abtosway) Erickson; Jamie Erickson; Jesse (Leah) Erickson, Torsten, Loken,
Sadie; Justin, Jared, Jace Erickson; Aaron (Alyssa) McGillivary, Aiden,Taylor and Jacob.
Sister Vera (Andy) Chokan, brother Lloyd (Gloria) Olson, daughter in-law Cindy Skiftun. Grandchildren: Dallas (Amanda) Skiftun,Stacie (Dan) Howie and great grandchildren. Nieces and nephews
Fern was predeceased by her parents Alvin & Geolina Olson, husband Lawrence, her precious son Lonnie. Sister Jeannette Erickson and nephew Lanny Erickson.
“She whom we love and lose is no longer where she was before. She is now wherever we are”
Service of Remembrance
Thursday May 16, 2019
All Saints Anglican Church
Melfort, Sask. 2:00 p.m.
Officiating: Pastor Dawn Myrfield and Rev. Gary Schenk
Honorary Pallbearers: Everyone who knew and loved her.
Ushers: Kirk Olson, Rob Chokan
Urn Bearer: Derek Erickson
Tribute to Fern: Bonnie Erickson & Trudy Jackson
Special Music: Cindy Gill
Pianist : Cindy Hanson– Quasso
Memorial Book Attendant: Shanon Koehl
Interment Mount Pleasant Cemetery
Memorial Contributions Carrot River Valley Lutheran Church
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