Fern A. (Rankin) Paul , 95, formerly of Algoma and Casco, passed away on Monday, February 13, 2017 at St. Vincent Hospital. Fern was born on November 18, 1921 to the late Anton and Caroline Bruening. Following the death of her mother as a young girl, Fern was raised by her special Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Frank Feuerstein.
On June 23, 1942, Fern married Elmer Rankin and they were blessed with 4 beautiful children prior to his death on December 11, 1957. She later married the fun loving Edward Paul who preceded her in death on August 18, 1982. Fern loved all of her family dearly and enjoyed painting, gardening, traveling, church, ice cream and her cat Duby.
Fern is survived by her children, Carolyn (Ken) VanLanen, Algoma, Steve (Renae) Rankin, Iowa and Arizona, Mark (Cheryl) Rankin, Green Bay, Bettie (Milt) Anschutz, Algoma; 11 cherished grandchildren and 15 beautiful great-grandchildren; also survived by members of the Rankin and Paul families.
She is preceded in death by her husbands; granddaughter, Maria VanLanen; daughter-in-law, Patricia Rankin; special aunt and uncle, Frank (Elizabeth) Feuerstein; brothers and sisters, Leonard (Jenny) Bruening, Robert (Luella) Bruening, Margaret (Hugo) Charlson, Nora (Kenneth) Rowe; Edith (Duayne) Groves; also preceded by members of the Rankin and Paul families.
Fern will always be remembered as the kind and giving person that she was and taught all of us to be. The heavens now shine brighter with her contagious smile and laugh that lit up our lives.
Visitation will be held from 9:30-11:00 AM, Saturday, February 18, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Algoma. Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11:00 AM with Fr. Peter Stryker officiating. Burial will follow in the church Cemetery. Wiesner & Massart Funeral Home - Algoma is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared here .
A special thank you to the staff of Anna's House (New Franken) for the special care provided during her stay there, Unity Hospice, Dr. Sora, and her amazing nurses on the 7th floor, especially Tammy and Carolyn.
