Fern Nell M. Becher, 97, of Norwalk passed away peacefully Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, at the Serenity House in Tomah.
Fern Nell was born Aug. 4, 1928, in the Township of Ridgeville to Arthur and Emma (Kortbein) Garske. She was a lifelong resident of the Township of Ridgeville. Fern Nell was baptized and confirmed at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ridgeville and remained a faithful and devoted member throughout her life. She taught Sunday School and assisted with the Ladies’ Aid, serving her church with dedication and love.
She was a member of the Wilton High School graduating class of 1946. On March 31, 1948, Fern Nell was united in marriage to Edward “Eddie” A. Becher at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ridgeville. Together, they farmed in the Township of Ridgeville for all of their married life.
Fern Nell worked side by side with Eddie on the farm and especially enjoyed the outdoor work and caring for the animals. She was tough as nails, milking cows well into her 70s. Although she was an avid music lover and may have pursued a formal education in music, Fern Nell chose instead to continue her family’s farming legacy.
She was an accomplished accordion and organ musician and generously taught several others to play. In her spare time, Fern Nell also enjoyed upholstering furniture, sewing, and spending time with family and friends. Throughout the years, Fern Nell was involved with the 4-H Club and especially enjoyed the club trips to the Wisconsin State Fair in Milwaukee.
She will be remembered for her strong work ethic, love of music, and devotion to her family and community.
She is survived by children, Linda (Dale Stark) Becher of Lake Mills, Wis., Connie (Brant) Hackett of Tomah, and James Becher of Norwalk; her grandchildren, Rhea (Tony) Kitowski of Junction City, Wis., and Ryan (Crystal) Hackett of Lexington, N.C., along with Korey, Karisa and Katrice and their families; her great-grandchildren, Ethan (Abby), Oliver, Aliza, AJ, and Olivia; an expected great-great-grandchild; an “honorary daughter,” Red (Bonnie Stark); a brother-in-law, Virgil Sletten; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends; and her beloved dog, Sammy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Eddie; her great-granddaughter, Ava; her sisters, Ardella Wallerman and Mary Lou Sletten; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Les Wallerman, Leonard Becher, Raymond (Lois) Becher, Arlene Miller, and Deloris (Frederick) Waege; and her nephews, Gary Waege and Lon Becher.
A funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at St. John Ev. Lutheran Church, Ridgeville. Pastor Joel Neumann and Pastor Robert Gerke will officiate. Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited for a time of visitation on Friday from 4–7 p.m. at the Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, Tomah, and at the church on Saturday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
