Naef, LaFern 1912-2009

NAEF, BOWEN, ROWLAND

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 9/21/2009 at 15:30:58

From: Le Mars Daily Sentinel, September 21, 2009

LaFern Naef, 97, of Le Mars, died peacefully Thursday morning, Sept. 17, 2009, at the Good Samaritan Society-Le Mars.

LaFern Naef, the daughter of Jennie (Bowen) and Richard M. Rowland, was born in Kenneth, Minn., on April 14, 1912. She attended the Rock County Country School-District 56.

In 1936, LaFern began her career as a photographer in Luverne, Minn.

On Oct. 24, 1950, in Minneapolis, Minn., LaFern was united in marriage to Harold Naef. They relocated to Le Mars in 1952 and became the owners of "Naef Photography." LaFern most enjoyed shooting class photos in schools and family photos. In 1978, LaFern and Harold retired and sold their studio to Chris and Barb Becker.

LaFern was a remarkable seamstress, often creating her own patterns and special touches. She also played the piano well, simply by ear, and found great joy in international travel. LaFern was a friendly and well-respected woman in the community. She was deeply devoted to her Christian faith, even as a young woman.

LaFern will be fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews, her caregivers, and other relatives and friends in the community.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Harold Naef; her parents, Richard and Jennie Rowland; her brother, Rupert Rowland and her four sisters, Flossie Smeins Moe, Rosalyn Weiland, Lillian Bartlett and Ruth Rowland.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. today (Monday) at the Mauer-Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars, with Tim Vaughn and Dirk Henry officiating. Interment was in the Memorial Cemetery, Le Mars.

The family greeted relatives and friends Monday from 9 a.m. until LaFern's service at 11 a.m.