Funeral services for Fern Baer will be at 2 p.m. Thursday at First Lutheran Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. John Holt will officiate. Interment will be at Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Online condolences are welcome at www.bayviewfuneral.com.

Fern died Monday, Oct. 15, 2012, at Mayo Clinic Health Systems in Albert Lea.

Fern Margaret Baer was born Nov. 13, 1918, to Edwin C. and Josephine (Nelson) Passer in Alden. Fern graduated from Alden High School in 1936 as valedictorian. On Sept. 26, 1941, she was united in marriage to Vernon Leroy Baer at the Mansfield Lutheran Church. She worked for Debur Realty, Service Loan Co. and Wilson Packing Co. as a secretary for 38 years. Fern was a member of the VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary and DOES. She was also a member of First Lutheran Church where she volunteered for Sunday worship offering committee. Fern enjoyed growing flowers, especially roses, baking, collecting beautiful glassware and figurines, traveling and spending time with close friends. Fern’s foremost love was her husband Vernon, with whom she enjoyed 71 years of marriage.

Survivors include her husband Vernon Baer; cousin Janice Johnson; brothers-in-law Milon Baer and Robert (LaVonne) Baer; sister-in-law, VeeAnn (Brian) Finnemore and many nieces and nephews.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents; brother Roy Passer; brother-in-law Alvin Baer; and sisters-in-law Adeline Sime and Jacquelyn Baer.

Memorials are preferred to First Lutheran Church or St. John’s Lutheran Home.