Fern Wretling, 98, Garrison, died on Monday, April 3, 2017 at the Benedictine Living Center in Garrison. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 10, at 2:00 pm at First Congregational Church in Garrison. Visitation will be held on Sunday from Noon to 6 at Thompson Funeral Home in Garrison.

Burial will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 am at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery.

Fern Ann (Retterath) Wretling was born October 19, 1918 south of Douglas to Joe and Effie Retterath. Fern spent her childhood on the family farm with her five sisters and one brother. She loved school and was determined to become a teacher. Fern worked to put herself through college and became a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse for 9 students in Emmett, ND.

Fern married the love of her life and "the most handsome man", Edward 'Eddie' Wretling, on June 1, 1940. Fern continued teaching until the birth of their first son, Edward P. Wretling. They were blessed again a few years later with son, Robert. Family was the center of their lives; their house was always full of laughter and was the place for the neighborhood kids to gather. Fern was a wonderful cook, frequently hosting family birthdays, holidays and Sunday dinners for 20 or more.

Fern and Eddie loved to travel. They enjoyed trips to Canada (always bringing back a new tea cup for her collection), Hawaii, Oregon and their winter trips south to Arizona and Texas. Fern was an active member of the First Congregational Church, Starlight Circle, American Legion Auxiliary and a volunteer at Heritage Park Museum.

Fern loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, to whom she was affectionately known as GG. Her Christmas cookies were legendary. She made sure each grandchild had their favorite every year even though she had to carefully pack them in boxes for the 900-mile drive to Montana. Fern loved quilting and lovingly created quilts to keep every family member warm. GG loved each of us for who we were creating a special bond with each family member. Her kind words and loving hugs will be greatly missed.

Fern is survived by her sisters, Iveas and Helen, and brother Bob; son, Edward P. (Joyce) Wretling of Polson, Montana; grandchildren Erika (Chad) Biggs of Boise, ID; Jon (Laurie) Wretling of Denver, CO; Amy (Saula) Ligani of Carlsbad, CA; Maribeth (Ryan) Thomas of Sammamish, WA; and Tim (Sarah) San Pedro of Columbus, OH. She was also loved by several great-grandchildren including Susannah, Oliver, Madison, Finley, Asena, Sylvia, Truman and Mona. Fern will also be missed by her nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie; son, Robert; daughter-in-law, Diana; parents Joe and Effie; and sisters Inez, Marion and Bernice.

The family would like to thank Fern's hospice nurses, Judy and Michelle, and the staff at Benedictine for taking excellent care of her.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to Heritage Park Museum can be made in memory of Fern.