Fern Andersen

Fern Andersen, 82, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota died Friday, July 6, 2012 at Emmanuel Nursing Home, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Fern was born on May 2, 1930, the daughter of Mortimer and Hazel (Swetland) Earley in rural Otter Tail County, Minnesota. Shortly after graduating from Detroit Lakes High School, Fern started her career with Becker County Social Services. She was united in marriage to Robert Andersen on November 6, 1969 in Barnesville, Minnesota. They made their home in Crookston, Minnesota. Fern worked for Polk County Social Services for many years until her retirement. Fern and Bob then moved to Detroit Lakes in the early 90chr(39)s. Fern was a member of First Lutheran Church, Lydia Circle, Humane Society of the U.S., American Legion Auxiliary, Polk County Retirement Group and was one of the original members of the Parkinsonchr(39)s Disease Support Group in Detroit Lakes. She also was an avid Twins and Vikings fan. Fern will be remembered for her gracious demeanor and the love she had for her family and friends. She wanted to be remembered for her love of all Godchr(39)s creatures great and small. Fern is survived by her son, Michael ( Susan) Andersen of Fairfax, VA; daughter, Debra Gates of Ridgecrest, CA; grandson Michael Andersen of Air Force Academy, Colorado; sister, Ruby Holt of Vergas, MN; sister-in-law, Betty Cook of Detroit Lakes, MN; special niece, Crystal (Curt) Van Maasdam of Vergas, MN and nieces and nephews. Fern was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Robert (2006), daughter, Roberta Hernadez, brothers-in-law, Kenneth Andersen and Jerry Cook.