In loving memory of

Andreas 'Andy' J. Ferns
September 5, 1949 - January 22, 2012

ANDREAS 'ANDY' FERNS
MUSCATINE, Iowa - Andreas 'Andy' J. Ferns, 62, of Muscatine, died on Sunday, January 22, 2012, at his home.

As per his wishes, he was cremated. The Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Andreas was born on September 5, 1949, in Oskaloosa, the son of Russell and Maria Bergmaier Ferns. He married Velma Land on October 11, 1996, in Muscatine.

He was a veteran of the US Army during the Vietnam War.

He enjoyed gun collecting and building computers.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Velma Ferns of Muscatine; one daughter, Tressa Ferns; one step-son, Mike Rinnert of Muscatine; three step-daughters, Missy Lindle, Tammy Marshall, and Tonya Cook, all of Muscatine; nine grandchildren; his mother, Maria Hancher of Muscatine; and four sisters, Beate Keith and husband, Gerald, of Muscatine, Eva Buster and husband, Willard, of Washington, Deborah Salazar and husband, Tony, of Prescott Valley, Arizona, and Linda Megneault and husband, Leo, of Tucson, Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his father; his step-mother, Anna Ferns; and his step-father, Knute Hancher.

Tributes

Linda (Lee) Niemi wrote on Jan 27, 2012:

"I went to school and church with the girls. My prayers and thoughts are with y'all at this time. "

Pam, Wendy, Wanda, Carla, Carmen, Shelly and famil wrote on Jan 27, 2012:

"Velma, we are all so sorry to hear about Andy. Our hearts go out to you. You both had a very special place in sister Jacque's heart, and we know that she and Wally are with him now, showing him just how beautiful it is up in Heaven. May God bless you, and ease your pain during this difficult time."

Steven Fuller wrote on Jan 26, 2012:

"Maria, Beate, I am sorry to read this. I remember working with you at Thatcher's. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Steven Fuller"

Datha (Buster) Watts wrote on Jan 26, 2012:

"I went to church with the girls of the Ferns family when we were kids, and Eva married into my family. I don't remember your brother, he was a little bit older than me, but my thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. I know its a hard time to go through. You've all had a very tough time this month."

Bruce wrote on Jan 26, 2012:

"I remember Andy and his chicken ride"

Millie Estabrook wrote on Jan 26, 2012:

"Velma and Maria: Andy will be missed because of his many friends and caring family. What a great guy. Millie Estabrook"

Del Williams wrote on Jan 26, 2012:

"So sorry for your loss Velma. Andy was a good friend all the years together at thatchers,he will be greatly missed by all."

William Garrett wrote on Jan 25, 2012:

"I'm really sad to learn of Andy's passing. I worked with him, his wife, Velma, and his mother Maria for quite a long time. Though I haven't seen or talked to him for quite some time, I think of him often. He will definitely be missed. Bill Garrett"

William Garrett wrote on Jan 25, 2012:

"I'm really sad to learn of Andy's passing. I worked with him, his wife, Velma, and his mother Maria for quite a long time. Though I haven't seen or talked to him for quite some time, I think of him often. He will definitely be missed. Bill Garrett"

Roger & Judy Archer wrote on Jan 25, 2012:

"Velma, we are so sorry to hear about Andy.May God be with you always."

Rhoda Fear wrote on Jan 25, 2012:

"Dearest Velma and family, I'm so sorry about Andy. We all loved him so much. What a great guy with a wonderful smile. Sincerely, Rhoda Fear"

SHEILA OSSIAN wrote on Jan 24, 2012:

"WE WOULD LIKE TO OFFER OUR SYMPATHY TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I KNOW GREG PROBABLY KNEW HIM WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AT THIS TIME. SHEILA OSSIAN GREG, SHAWN AND FAMILY LYNNE, RON AND FAMILY"

Russell Streets wrote on Jan 24, 2012:

"My deepest sympathy and condolences to your family. I have many fond memories of riding motorcycles with Andy, and shared some wonderful experiences around his ornery sense of humor. "

Anita Goldapske wrote on Jan 24, 2012:

"Velma, I cry for your loss .Andy was the one person who treated me so kindly. You both were a joy to work with and I will always think of you as friends. My prayers are with you."

Bruce/Leah Fuller wrote on Jan 24, 2012:

"Sorry about your loss Velma"

Sandy Newton James wrote on Jan 24, 2012:

"I can remember Andy as a young girl when I would go to his house to see his sisters Deb and Eva after school, when they lived in Fruitland, he would pick on us LOL. Then I remember Andy as the years went by and he married one of my good friends Velma. He was a good man and will be missed by all that knew him. My heart goes out to all the family in this time of loss. Take Care and God Bless you all"

Michael and Linda Shay wrote on Jan 24, 2012:

"Velma and Tressa your in our thoughts and prayers at this time."

Christine Lorber-Miller wrote on Jan 24, 2012:

"My heart felt sympathy to Andy's mother, sisters and wife and daughter. Andy was a good man with a passion for life and his hobbies.He has always had a special place in my heart and always will. I remember he could never find an alarm clock loud enough to wake him up and how he love to go four wheeling in the gravel pits and would get stuck more than once. All my love........Christine Lorber-Miller"

Roger and Cindy Strong wrote on Jan 23, 2012:

"Heart felt condolences to Velma and the entire Ferns Family. I always enjoyed working with Andy at Thatcher Plastic and had the good fortune to be neighbors with him for a few years. Andy will be remembered for his love of guns and just for being Andy. Velma hold his memory close to your heart, memories can never be taken away. RIP Andy. Thoughts and prayers for you."