Obituary: Fern Rudiger
Fern Rudiger, 85, passed away Dec. 13, 2012, at her home in
Newton. She was born Sept. 1, 1927, in Goessel to Henry and Rose (Schmidt)
Schmidt. Fern grew up in rural Goessel, being taught all but one of her grade
school years by her father. She graduated from Goessel High School in 1945 and
attended
Bethel College. In 1946, she met Galen Rudiger while
attending church camp at Camp Wood. They were married July 15, 1947. After her
children were grown, she spent 17 years working with MIDCAP in various
capacities, including the development of many Mother to Mother programs. The
mentoring provided by these programs was quite gratifying to her. She and Galen
enjoyed camping and square dancing. They were active church members, attending
Tabor Mennonite Church and Faith Mennonite Church. She is survived by her
husband, Galen; daughters, Iris Martin of Pennsylvania, Gwen Horn of Newton,
Gayle Kristek of Derby, Fay Scofield of Abilene; sons, Steven Rudiger of Newton
and David Rudiger of Wichita; one sister, Linda Stauffer of Newton; brother, Don
Schmidt of Texas; daughter-in-law, Wanda Rudiger of Arizona; 17 grandchildren;
and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her son, Roger
Rudiger. The family will greet friends from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, 2012,
at Miller-Ott Funeral Home, Goessel. Memorial service will be at 11 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012, at Faith Mennonite Church, Newton. Memorials may be
made to either MCC or Harry Hynes Hospice, in care of Miller-Ott Funeral Home,
303 East Main, Goessel.
