Cover photo for Fern Speering's Obituary
Fern Speering Profile Photo
1927 Fern 2011

Fern Speering

July 13, 1927 — October 3, 2011

Fern Speering, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully after a short illness with her family at her side, on October 3, 2011 at Appleton Health Care Center. Fern was born in Shawano County on July 13, 1927, daughter of the late Henry and Ida (Schroeder) Nordwig. She loved to travel and spent many winters in San Diego and in later years, Florida. She enjoyed life and being with people. Over the years, Fern enjoyed her volunteer work at the Appleton Medical Center, ThedaCare, and St. John Ev. Lutheran Church in the town of Center. She also worked for many years at the downtown Sears department store and retired in 1989 from the Outagamie County Clerk of Courts office. Fern will be remembered for her quick wit, great sense of humor, and unconditional love for her family.

She is survived by her son and her daughter, who were her pride and joy: Dan Speering of Appleton and Cindy Speering of Florida; two grandchildren: Stephanie (Scott) Clark and Amanda (Jeff) Kopetsky; two great-grandchildren: Hayden and Lilianna Clark; a sister: Inez Schilling; three brothers: Milton (Mabel) Nordwig, David (Shirley) Nordwig, and Ralph (Bernice) Nordwig; two sisters-in-law: Doris (John) Raymaker and Delores Stillman; and a brother-in-law: Rheinhart Teske. Fern was preceded in death by her husband of sixty years: Alvin “Sparky” Speering; two sisters: Mae Gumtz and Betty Teske; four brothers-in-law: Ralph Gumtz, Erv Speering, Wally Stillman, and Evan Schilling; and a sister-in-law: Marjorie Siebers.

The Christian Funeral for Fern will be held at 12:00 Noon on Friday, October 7, 2011 at ST. JOHN EV. LUTHERAN CHURCH, N3505 State Road 47 near Appleton. Rev. Jeffrey Suhr and Rev. Micah Martin will be officiating. Friends may call at the church on Friday morning from 10:00 AM until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. Condolences may be mailed c/o Fern Speering, 516 W. Crossing Meadows Lane, Appleton, WI 54911.

The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation for the care given to Fern while in the Appleton Health Center and to ThedaCare At Home. A special thank you to Bernice Nordwig for all she has done for Fern – we greatly appreciate it. Thanks also to the many neighbors at Ridgeview Highlands for their care and friendship; Fern was very grateful.

Mom, you were not only the most wonderful, loving mother a daughter could have, you were my best friend. I'll miss our talks and laughter. You will always be in my heart. I love you, Cindy.

Mom, I couldn't have been blessed with a better mom. I will miss you, but you are going to a better life. See you again, Dan.

Fern, Thanks for listening, never judging, always understanding, you were not only my mother-in-law, but you were my friend. I will never forget you, thanks for the wonderful memories… I love you, Linda.

Grandma, Great Grandma, We love you and will miss you very much…Stephanie, Amanda, Hayden and Lilianna.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
920-739-1231

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Fern Speering, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, October 7, 2022

10:00am - 12:00 pm

St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church

, WI 54913

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Service

Friday, October 7, 2022

Starts at 3:00 pm

Appleton Highland Memorial Park

3131 N Richmond St, Appleton, WI 54911

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