Fern R. Softing

Fern Roseline Anderson Softing passed away on April 7, 2021, at Villa Maria Nursing Home. We thank Villa Maria for their excellent and compassionate care.

Memorial services will be at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 26, 2021, at Elim Lutheran Church, 321 9^th Street North, Fargo, ND. Pastor Strand will be officiating. All Covid 19 mask wearing and social distancing will be observed. A recording of the service can be viewed here on Fern’s page. Graveside services will be private.

Memorial contributions can be made to Elim Lutheran Church, Red River Valley Hospice, or Grong Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, Rollag, MN.

Fern Anderson was born November 14, 1926, at the family farm near Hawley, MN. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Mary Anderson; brother, Albert Anderson; sisters, Mabel Johnson, Bessie Anderson, Violet Nelson, and special friend, Duane Bailey.  Fern married Eddie Softing September 7, 1947. They were together until his death in 2001. Fern is survived by one sister, Lila Anderson; four children, Lani McAuley, Marni Peterson, Chad Softing, and Hali Durand; seven grandchildren, and five great grandchildren.

Fern attended a one-room primary school, #107, Lake Park High School, and the Fargo Moorhead Business School. She was employed as a secretary at Fairmont Creamery and Valley City Municipal.

Fern loved music and began piano lessons later in life at the Concordia Conservatory of Music. She became a proficient and accomplished pianist and was able to teach beginning piano students. She was very proud of her new career.

Fern was a loyal and dedicated family member. She forged strong bonds with members of both the Softing and Anderson sides of the family. She developed many life-long friendships through bowling, golf, and neighborhood connections.

She was brought up in a Swedish/Lutheran tradition, had a strong faith, and was committed to her church community, whether it be playing piano at services, singing in the choir, Bible Study, Ladies Circle, or volunteering.  She was especially grateful to her Elim Church friends for their constant support.

Fern was a patient and nurturing mother. She had a hardy farm-inspired spirit and was a firm but loving disciplinarian.

Fern lived a simple but rich life. She was an angel on earth and is now with the angels, reaping the rewards of a life well-lived.