Fern E. Garred 1926 - 2022

GARRED, WHITWORTH, VAN DOREN

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 8/26/2022 at 21:48:19

Sioux City Journal
24 August 2022

Fern E. Garred

Whiting, Iowa

Fern E. Garred, 96, of Whiting passed from this life into eternity with Jesus on Tuesday, Aug. 16, 2022, after a brief illness.

Service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday at the Whiting Christian Church with Pastor Shawn Walden officiating. A private family graveside service will be held at the Whiting Cemetery prior to the service. There will be no visitation. Arrangements are being made by Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel, Sioux City.

Fern was born the daughter of Harold and Blanche (Whitworth) Van Doren on April 15, 1926, in Gillespie, Ill. She graduated from high school in Gillespie and then attended Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Springfield, Ill. During her Pediatric rotation at St. Joseph Infirmary in Louisville, Ky., she met Dr. John Garred Sr. who was interning there. They were married on Dec. 31, 1947.

In the summer of 1948, they traveled across the country looking for a place to practice medicine and decided to settle in Whiting. They opened their medical office there in the fall of 1948. Fern was a devoted wife and partner to her husband and served as his Registered Nurse and Office Manager for 68 years. Dr. Garred served two tours of duty in the Navy, and they lived in Hawaii for a year during his time of service. He died on May 16, 2017. Throughout their married life they enjoyed many adventures, traveling by private plane to many parts of the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean. Fern earned her private pilot's license in 1961 and logged over 700 hours in various aircraft types and a helicopter. The family enjoyed many years of boating on the Missouri River and time at their Okoboji cabin.

Fern was a wonderful mother, and faithfully raised her children in the knowledge and love of the Lord. She was a tremendous support to them as they grew to adulthood and achieved their professional and personal goals. There was always a pan of her famous lasagna or a pecan pie waiting for them when they would return home. She loved her family and cherished every moment she was able to spend with them.

Fern was a member of the Whiting Christian Church. She taught Sunday School, and was a member of Triple L. She was the chairperson for the current church's Building Committee. Her faith was put into action through her service to those in need of prayer, a word of encouragement, or a meal. She made it a goal to read through her Bible every year.

She served the Whiting Community through membership in the Whiting Community Club, Whiting Housing Corporation, and the Whiting Library Building Committee. She was a longtime member of the Burgess Health Center Auxiliary, designed the hospital logo, and was instrumental in the creation of the annual Poinsettia Ball. Fern was a member of Iowa Medical Association Auxiliary, Chapter EF P.E.O., Loess Hills Chapter 502 of the Order of Eastern Star, Daughters of the American Revolution, and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 481 in Whiting.

Fern is survived by her son, John (Kathryn) Garred Jr. M.D. of Whiting; grandchildren, John (Sarah) Garred of Burleson, Texas, and Matthew (Laura) Garred of Whiting; great-grandchildren, Samuel Garred and Dakota Garred; niece, Julie Lovejoy of Edgewood, Wash.; and many special friends.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband John L. Garred Sr. M.D.; parents Harold and Blanche Van Doren; twin infant daughters; daughter Ann M. Garred D.D.S.; sister and brother-in-law Nancy and Robert Lovejoy; niece, Tracy Waldock; father-in-law Ulysses V. Garred D.D.S. and mother-in-law Florence Garred; brother-in-law William P. Garred M.D., and sister-in-law Marilyn Garred.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Whiting Christian Church, the Whiting Public Library, or the Burgess Health Center Foundation.

Monona Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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