"I was one of Fern's helpers for several years when I worked at Calvin. It really saddens me to hear that she passed as I had been planning on coming up to see her this week (I have been very busy with school and just recently transferred to university, so I hadn't seen her for a while). She was such a nice lady - quiet, but wise, and always had a lot to say about any given topic. We talked a lot, and I'd sometimes spend an hour or better in her room just chit-chatting with her. She always had so many nice family and visitors, and her sisters were also very nice. Condolences to her friends and family. I'll always remember you, Fern - rest in peace."
In loving memory of
Fern E. Harper Zurn
August 12, 1929 - November 28, 2019
Fern Harper Zurn, age 90 formerly of Monroe, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2019 at Calvin Community Nursing Center in Des Moines. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the Monroe Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at Silent City Cemetery. Visitation will take place on Friday for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials may be directed to Calvin Community Nursing Center and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com
The daughter of Cecil and Lucille (Hilgers) Stepleton, Fern was born on August 12, 1929 in Mason City, Iowa. Fern was united in marriage to Harry E. Harper for 33 years. He passed away in 1978. She later married Bob Zurn and they were together for 25 years. He passed away in 2013. Fern was a member of the Monroe Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed playing cards and Fast Track, dancing in her younger years but most of all being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Fern was a curious and caring person and especially enjoyed the time spent with her family and friends.
Those left to honor her memory include her daughter, Marie (Robert) Miller; a step daughter, Tracy Zurn; eight grandchildren, Brian Sneller, Lynne Sneller Sanders, David Sneller, Darin Sneller, Traci Orr, Derek Miller, Erin Miller-Wilkinson, and Dana Miller and many great grandchildren. Also surviving are her four siblings, Thelma Shannon, Norman (Kathy) Stepleton, Doris (Jake) Flanagan, and Cecilia Kay (George) Bell; and son-in-law, Ron Sneller and many nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her parents, both husbands and her daughter, Cecilia Sneller and a step-daughter, Kimberly Hertel.
Tributes
"Every time I have a cup of coffee I think of Fern. Dry humor and loved her coffee. Gonna miss her. Dennis Hanes Calvin Foodservice "