Fern Margaret Rode was born July 24, 1939 in rural Milan, Minnesota, the daughter of Fritz and Marie (Carlson) Engebretson. She was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith at Kviteseid Lutheran Church in rural Milan. She graduated from Milan High School with the Class of 1957. On December 10, 1960, Fern was united in marriage to Clifford Thomas Rode at Kviteseid Lutheran Church by Rev. Livdahl. This union was blessed with four children and 41 years of marriage. Clifford died in 2002. Fern spent her time taking care of the home and raising their children. She also worked for the Appleton Telephone Exchange. Fern was a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church in Benson. Among the things she enjoyed were vegetable and flower gardening, puzzles, mowing, bowling and going to the casino. Fern was called from this life on Thursday, June 24, 2010 at Swift County Benson Hospital. She attained the age of 70 years, and 11 months. Fern is survived by her children: Michelle (Dan) Bouta of Clontarf, Mark (Betsy) Rode of Benson, Melanie (Kurt) Simmonds of DeGraff, and Monique (Tony) Hughes of Benson; nine grandchildren: Serena and Thomas Bouta, Matthew and Ben Rode, Natasha (Brody) Hagen, Cameron Simmonds, Jaron, Alyssa, and Eric Hughes; three step grandchildren; five step great grandsons; siblings: Bernice (Skip) Zinda of Appleton, Oscar (Grace) Engebretson of Milan, and Marie (Darrell) Anderson of Maplewood; and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her husband, Clifford; her parents; and her siblings: Gladys, Millie, Marlys, Freddie, Carl, and Ralph.
