Fern Fuglsang Lapehn, 92, of Centennial, CO, formerly of Ames, IA, passed away on April 26, 2014, at Holly Creek Retirement Community.

Fern Louise Fuglsang was born on October 24, 1921, near Elk Horn, IA. Her parents were Carl “Chris” Fuglsang and Dorthea W. (Carlsen) Fuglsang. The family later moved to a farm near Atlantic, IA, where Fern grew up with her brother, Niels, and sister, Edna. As a child, Fern met famed aviator Amelia Earhart when mechanical problems forced Ms. Earhart to make an emergency landing on the farm. Fern was baptized at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic and was a 1939 graduate of Atlantic High School. In 1949, she graduated from Iowa State Teachers College (now the University of Northern Iowa).

Fern married Leonard W. Lapehn on July 29, 1950. They began their married life in Bettendorf, IA, and later moved to Ames in 1970. Len passed away on August 2, 1997. Fern was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Niels Fuglsang; her sister-in-law, Verna Fuglsang; and her brother-in-law, Calvin Hesson. She is survived by her daughters Margaret (Brian) Garrett and Kristine Lapehn, of Centennial; her sister, Edna Hesson, of Omaha, NE; her sister-in-law, Erna (Ken) Perkins, of Redondo Beach, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Fern taught for 38 years, focusing mainly on junior-high-school mathematics and serving Iowa schools in Elk Horn, Stuart, Glenwood, Davenport, Bettendorf, and Jewell (South Hamilton). She was an active member of her church and various community organizations. She loved to bake cookies, and especially enjoyed sharing them with her friends and staff at Holly Creek. Fern will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and friend, and will be missed by many.

Graveside services will be held at the Atlantic Cemetery on Sunday, May 4, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held in the Holly Creek Retirement Community at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Memorial Lutheran Church, 2228 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50014; to Colorado Pug Rescue, www.copugrescue.org; or to a charity of your choice.

Roland Funeral Service of Atlantic, Iowa is caring for Fern’s family and her arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.

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