Fern  Gran

CLERGY
Rev. Dan Flyger
MUSIC
Harpist ~ Karen Brazelton
Pianist ~ Pat Asche
Congregational Hymns
“Because He Lives #238”
“Victory in Jesus #526”
“What a Friend We Have in Jesus #412”
“It Will Be Worth it All #466”
“Jesus Loves Me, This I Know”
“Praise God”
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS
Nephews & Nieces of
Morris & Fern Gran
ACTIVE CASKETBEARERS
Caleb Dean
Derek Marn
Jed Hicks
Benjamin Baxa
Ryan Swanstrom
Bryan Bork
William Gran
Fern Gran was born on April 13, 1920 to Pete and Emily Ellinger on their farm about five miles south of Scotland, SD.  She was baptized and confirmed in the Scotland Methodist Church.  After staying with her grandparents and attending town school for first grade, she attended country school through eighth grade, then graduated from Scotland High School.  From first grade on, Fern decided she wanted to be a teacher and played school whenever she had the chance, even with imaginary pupils.  She received her teaching certificate from Southern Normal College.  Though she only taught school for a short time, Fern’s love for the Lord and her passion for teaching touched the lives of children, youth, and adults throughout her life.  Fern dated Morris Gran briefly before his military service, and they got to know each other better during his furloughs and through many letters. She traveled alone by train and bus to Texas to meet Morris, and they were united in marriage on May 20, 1944 in Elgin.  An army buddy and his wife were the attendants, Pastor Wolfe officiated, his wife was organist, and their four year old daughter was their only audience. 
    
During Morris’ deployments, Fern returned home and worked as a dental assistant in Scotland. Upon his return, they farmed four miles south of Scotland.  Fern and Morris were part of Gideons International and were both devoted to the spreading of the Word of the Lord. She loved sharing God’s Word with Sunday School and Bible School students.  Fern and Morris were always active in the churches they attended and their relationship with their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was the most precious thing to them, faithfully praying for others throughout their life. She passed away at the Good Samaritan Village in Sioux Falls on Thursday, January 29, 2015, at the age of 94.
   
Fern cherished and fervently loved her family.  She will always be deeply loved and remembered by her three children: daughter Judy (Steve) Marn of Aurora, Minnesota, son William (Brenda) Gran of Sioux Falls, and daughter Nancy (Tim) Dean of Redwood Falls, Minnesota; eight grandchildren: Derek Marn, Tracey Marn, Jennifer (Jed) Hicks, Stephanie (Ben) Baxa, Emily (Ryan) Swanstrom, Heather (Bryan) Bork, Caleb Dean and Hannah Dean; ten great-grandchildren: Taylor Marn, Taetum and Bridger Baxa, Ainsley, Porter, Trey and Ryker Swanstrom, and Kyla, Kamryn and Kiahna Bork; one brother Cecil (Eldora) Ellinger of Scotland, and sister-in-law Evelyn (Carl) Petersen of Oregon, as well as many extended family members and friends.
Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Morris, her parents, and several unborn children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Gideons International.

held one hour prior to service