Fern M. Wehling

Fern Maurine Carstens Wehling was born to William and Jennie Carstens on November 30, 1919, on a farm near Clatonia, NE. She died on June 20, 2013, at Heritage Care Center at the age of 93 years, 6 months, and 20 days.

As a child, Fern occupied her days with her pony on the family farm east of Fairbury.  She attended school District 39 through eighth grade, graduating from Fairbury High School in 1937.

Fern married Alfred Wehling on February 12, 1941, at the Methodist Church in Fairbury.  She enjoyed spending her days by Alfred’s side doing whatever needed to be done.  Some days might find her fixing a pasture fence, patching some overalls, and/or mixing up a batch of cookies to use for the lunches she sent to school with the four boys every day.  In 1950 they purchased a farm southwest of Diller where they continued farming until retirement.

They spent 26 winters in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas as they approached their retirement years.  While there, they really enjoyed making new friends and learning new hobbies.  Fern learned to crochet afghans and gave one to each of her grandchildren.

In the mid 70’s they took a 19-day trip to the Middle East and the Holy Land with Alfred’s sister, Magdalene, and brother-in-law, Alan Roberts.  Fern and Alfred celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on February 12, 2006.

Fern was preceded in death by her two brothers, Glen Carstens of Fairbury and Mervin Carstens of Lincoln.  Survivors include sons Loren and wife, Linda, of Juniata; Gale and wife, Mary, of Rose Hill, KS; James of Raymond; Verlyn and wife, Linda, of Diller; sister-in-law, Jean Wehling of Diller; sister-in-law, Magdalene Roberts and husband, Alan of Newton, KS; nine grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. at the Seventh Day Adventists Church in Fairbury. Burial will be in the Fairbury Cemetery.