Surnames: Lucas, Behnke, Marek, Williams, Dahlke, Ystad, Fleming, Grassmen, Beach, Wondrash, Maupin

----Source: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood County, Wis.) Wed, May 18, 2005

Lucas, Ferne E. (1 Aug. 1918 - 16 May 2005)

Ferne E. Lucas, 86, of Marshfield entered eternal life Monday, May 16, 2005, at her home with her family at her side.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, May 20, 2005, at Grace Lutheran Church in Nasonville. The Rev. Daniel Behnke will officiate. Tammy Marek will provide music for congregational hymns. Burial will be in Grace Lutheran Cemetery.

Friends May call from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Hansen Funeral Home in Marshfield, and one hour prior to service time Friday at the church.

Ferne was born Aug. 1, 1918, in Clark County, a daughter of the late William and Ella (Williams) Dahlke. She attended rural schools in Clark County.

On Nov. 16, 1935, in Ames, Iowa, the former Ferne Dahlke was united in holy marriage to John Lucas. The couple farmed in Clark County from 1931 until 1936 when they purchased a farm in the town of Lincoln. They operated the farm until the time of their retirement in 1985, when their son took over the farming operation. In addition to being a homemaker and excellent cook, she enjoyed craft and needlework. Ferne also loved music and would play the guitar and on some occasions was known to yodel. She also cherished time spent at the cottage in Hatfield, where she loved to fish. Mr. and Mrs. Lucas enjoyed wintering in Fort Meyers, Fla., for more than 15 years.

Ferne's family and faith were the central part of her life. She was an active member and Sunday school teacher as well as member of the Ladies of Grace.

She is lovingly survived by her husband, John Lucas, Marshfield; children, Betty Ystad, Nekoosa, John J. (Kris) Lucas, Marshfield, Jean (James) Fleming, Marion, S. C., Rich Lucas, Marshfield, and Victor (Sally) Lucas, Marshfield. Sixteen grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and one sister, Dorothy Grassmen, Granton, further survive Ferne.

Three grandsons, Jason Fleming, Michael Lucas and David Lucas; three sisters, Ruth Beach, Goldie Wondrash and Bobbie Maupin; and two brothers, Elroy and Henry Dahlke, preceded Mrs. Lucas in death.

Memorials in Ferne's name May be designated to Grace Lutheran Church.

Ferne's family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the Hospice team for the loving care and attention she received.