Fern M. Rafferty Rudiger Obituary (1922 - 2015)

Fern Marie Rafferty Rudiger, age 93, passed away peacefully on December 10th, 2015 in Amery, WI . Born March 9, 1922, Fern Marie was the only daughter of Bervin J. and Martha (Gormanson) Hanson of Menomonie. She then became older sister to three brothers, Donald, Roger, and Robert (all deceased). Fern Marie graduated from Menomonie High School and attended Stout State Institute until August 21, 1942 when she married Vernon George “Bud” Rafferty. Vernon went on to be a Fighter Pilot in the 8th Air Force during WWII stationed in Raydon, England. During the war, Fern Marie lived with her parents and waited for her husband and three brothers to return from the service. In the years following the war, Fern Marie and Vernon went on to settle in Menomonie and raise a family of five. After 48 years of marriage, Vernon passed away on January 4, 1992. On June 22, 1994, Fern Marie married a former high school friend, Dr. E. Robert (Bob) Rudiger. The two resided in Hayward, WI where they enjoyed travel and lake living. Bob passed away on July 28, 2008. After Bob’s death, Fern moved to Cumberland, WI where she lived independently until an injury prompted a move to Assisted Living in 2013. We are very thankful for the gifts, talents, and tenacity Fern has passed on to her family. Fern is survived by her five children: Patrick Vernon (Connie) Rafferty – Roberts, ID, Jo Marie Rafferty – Palm Bay, FL, Catherine Ann (John J.) Ney – Minong, WI, Susan Lynn Rafferty – Cumberland, WI, and Barbara Rafferty Goodlet – Amery, WI. The legacy grows with 15 Grandchildren, 30 Great Grandchildren, and 2 Great, Great Grandchildren. A “CELEBRATION OF LIFE” will be held on Saturday May 14th, 2016 at 10 a.m. at the Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery in Menomonie.