Fern Wulff

Fern LaVonne Wulff, born 5/27/1922 in Badger IA, passed away May 28, 2011 at Potter Ridge Assisted Living in Red Wing MN. Visitation will be Thursday, June 16 from noon to 1PM at First Covenant Church in Red Wing with a memorial service to follow at 1PM.
Fern was born to Amos B. and Bertha (Soppeland) Hill at home on their farm. Preceding her in death are her husband, Tom; her parents; sisters, Bernice (Ottoson), Pearl (Peterson), Olive (Humphrey), and an infant, (Ruth); two grandchildren, Andrew Thomas Wulff II and one stillborn girl; great-grandson, Taden Andrew Thomas Taylor. Survivors include her sister, Darlene Derscheid; her children, Martha (Garry) Blomberg, Oshkosh WI; Betty (Larry) Alden, Sheridan WY; Alan (Nancy) Wulff, Red Wing; LaVonne (Peter) Komlos, Appleton WI; Thomas (Kathy) Wulff, Middleton WI; and Grant (Mary) Wulff, Red Wing; 16 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren.
Meeting her husband in the church choir when he was visiting cousins in Iowa, began their journey together. They married in 1939 and lived in Iowa for a number of years. In October 1951, eleven years and five children later, they moved closer to relatives in WI and purchased land near Red Wing, where they resided until they moved into Potter Ridge in April 2010.
She belonged to Flower Valley Homemakers (later, Birthday Club) and donated many years of service at Our Savior's Lutheran in Cannon Falls and then at First Covenant. Her home was a welcome spot for many to visit and enjoy a meal. Fern and Tom, being generous with their talents, time, and resources, were a quiet testimony of sharing what they had with others in need.
Fern could have been called the 'Martha Stewart' of her day! Her children were often treated with her fresh baked breads topped to homemade apple butter or jelly after a day at school. Her growing family enjoyed the best four-square meals put on a table. Her talents of candle making, rug making, Hardanger needlework, knitting, crocheting, canning and freezing, sewing clothing and draperies, upholstery, and ceramics were lovingly accepted by her young family and then later, when her children established their own homes. Fern and Tom made the best potato lefse that was enjoyed for years, along with the traditional Norwegian lutefisk.
It is said that behind every good man is a good woman. Fern was that to her husband, Tom. Her strong relationship with the Lord kept her thankful in both good and difficult times. She lived her life confirmed that her God was the One to go to for all her needs and was a committed prayer warrior for any concerns her family brought to her. Fern was a woman of strength and grace. She would offer her opinions, but then would 'live and let live.' Fern LaVonne has left her family an uncompromising legacy of trusting God. She will be deeply missed.
The family extends deep gratitude to Pastor Tim and friends at First Covenant Church, the Fairview Red Wing Hospice and Home Care Staff, the compassionate and faithful staff at Potter Ridge, HP Home Health Services and Faith in Action. In her later years, Fern and her family were continually encouraged by each of these servants.