Fern M. Erxleben

Fern M. Erxleben, 102, Rockford, passed away Monday, January 21, 2019, at Peterson Meadows. She was born March 30, 1916, in Chicago, the daughter of Arthur A. and Lillian J. (Goodman) Boettcher. She graduated from Northern Illinois Teacher’s College and began her career teaching in the Rockford area. Fern went on to teach 2nd grade in Park Ridge, Illinois until her retirement. A lover of books, she volunteered at the Arlington Heights Public Library after retirement working so many hours that she was once honored as “Volunteer of the Year”. When she moved to Rockford in the late 1990’s she continued to volunteer at the Cherry Valley Library and at Peterson Meadows.
Survived by her niece, Pamela K. (Wayne) Howell, her great nephew, Walter M. (Melissa) Howell; her great niece, Rebecca G. (Rob) Senkyr, and her 2 great-great- nephews, William and Wyatt Howell. Fern will be missed by her niece, Lana (Jerry) Erxleben, the residents and staff of Peterson Meadows, and those who cared for her this past year. She was pre-deceased by her parents, her husband, Wilbur H Erxleben, and her sister, Betty M. Rosborough. Honoring Fern’s wishes there will be no visitation or service. Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory assisted the family. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.