Memories for Fern

 From: Julie B Johnson

Fern was sentimental and tender-hearted, yet a firm disciplinarian at home and at school. Under Fern's tutelage, her students consistently earned blue ribbons at the North Dakota State Fair. She was determined to make certain every student who passed through her classroom was given the chance to succeed. Falling through the cracks was never an option for any of her students; she truly cared about everyone. She was so feisty and funny; I ll never forget how she always claimed to be the thin, good-looking one among the three Sullivan girls. Even now, I can hear her say it and it makes me smile. Dan & Girdell, I will keep many, many wonderful memories of Fern in my heart. I loved her and will fondly remember all our wonderfully, quirky conversations. Love & blessings, JB

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From: Marcia Rostad

Like nearly all Carpio school graduates, Fern was one of my elementary grade teachers - fifth grade to be exact. I can recall Fern's reaction when the radio announcement of President Kennedy's assasination was relayed through the intercom system. Fern always had great arts and craft ideas and each student always made something unique to give their mothers on Christmas (usually macaroni glued and sprayed onto something!). She was a good teacher who kept order in the classroom so everyone could learn and advance.
Fern graduated from high school with my father, Don Rostad, Jr. My dad and Fern were friends and exchanged silly memories and funny moments. Fern was visiting her hospitalized mother when my father died just a few rooms away. She was the first to know he had died and sadly expressed her sorrow to me as I left the hospital ward.
Fern will be remembered by many, many former students for a long time to come. I extend my sympathies to GW and Daniel.

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From: Janet Rostad Mueller

To the family of Fern Patterson, teacher of my 3rd, 4th and 5th grade class. I will remember Mrs. Patterson as the teacher who had us memorize more poems than we even knew existed. She also kept me busy in my high school years doing art work for her class bulletin boards. I will always remember her fondly. May God grant her family peace through their own special memories of a remarkable woman. Janet Rostad Mueller

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