Fern Violet LaMarche 98 passed away on Thursday September 10, 2026 at Country Terrace with family by her side. She was born in December 24, 1927 at the family home in Stanley to the late Charles and Merle (Glover) Nitz. She attended the rural Busy Bee School, which completed her formal education.
Fern Nitz married Vernon LaMarche on June 17, 1944 at the St. Ann’s parsonage in Stanley, WI. Fern and Vernon owned and operated a dairy farm north of Stanley on highway H. Fern worked hard on the farm and in the home and had a huge garden to help feed the growing family. She canned hundreds of quarts of fruits and vegetables each year to feed her family. They had 12 children (eight daughters and four sons).
In 1983 Fern retired to the ranch style home and enjoyed time with the family. They celebrated their 65th anniversary before Vernon passed at the age of 90 on August 6, 2009.
Fern worked as a server in the Stanley-Boyd School kitchen until the age of 83. She also worked in the ginseng fields north of Stanley.
As a young girl Fern belonged to The Church of the Brethren church Stanley. She volunteered to make quilts for the needy on Mondays and Thursdays at the Church. She truly enjoyed her quilting friends and 10 a.m. coffee break.
Fern enjoyed spending time with her ever-growing family, sharing family stories. She had 40 grandchildren, 82 great grandchildren and 34 great great grandchildren. Fern was known for her smile laughter and great humor and will be deeply missed. We have been truly blessed. Fern will be deeply missed. She was sharp, funny and loved by so many.
She is survived by her children, Diane (Buzz) Halterman, Linda (Bob) Eslinger, Rita (Al) Lazalde, Ron LaMarche, Bill (Brenda) LaMarche, Rick (Cheryl) LaMarche, Robert (Davalyn) LaMarche, Donna (Stan) Warminski, Debbie (Dave) Sorenson, and son in law, Clarence Slowiak. Preceded in death by her parents, her husband, daughters, Carol in infancy, Sharon Schreck, and Barb Slowiak, daughter in law, Patti, and grandsons, Kirby Peterson and John Schreck.
Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, September 17th at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church-Stanley with Pastor Kenneth Schmidt officiating. Burial will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until time of service at the church.
