Fern Margaret Marie Brown

With a journey that spanned nearly a century of plenty and want, war and peace, laughter and grief, Fern Brown never lost sight of what mattered most through the ups and downs of life. She was a constant source of strength and encouragement, no matter the circumstances. Devoted to her family and friends, Fern considered herself blessed beyond measure to be surrounded by her many loved ones. She had a heart for caring for those around her, and she made an impact on so many. She truly made the world a better place. Deeply loved, Fern will be forever missed and remembered.

The late 1920s were certainly some exciting years to be living in the United States. The Roaring 20s, as the decade is known, brought vivid innovation to the nation. It was during this influential time that Fred and Adelean “Ada” (Reich) Rodiger of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, were awaiting the arrival of their second child. On June 27 of 1927, they were happy to announce the birth of their daughter, Fern Margaret. Fern was raised in the family home alongside her three brothers, Robert, Paul, and Donald.

Throughout her childhood, Fern grew up playing with her brothers and boys in the neighborhood. She had fond memories skipping stones off the bank of the St. Mary's River near their home. Fern enjoyed sewing, scrapbooking, baking, making ice cream, foraging for mushrooms and picking berries and wildflowers. She was active outdoors and loved horseback riding on Jimmy Lee, swimming, ice skating, playing hockey (often the goalie), riding her bike, and fishing with her brothers and father. The Rodiger family maintained their own flourishing vegetable garden. They attended holiday parades and fireworks to watch Fern’s father march with the WWI Drum & Bugle Corps. The family also traveled to Detroit to visit their family there.

Growing up, Fern attended local schools, including a small country school and then Sault Ste Marie schools. From a young age, Fern possessed a deep love and talent for music. While in high school, she was involved in the choir as a second soprano. A highlight from those years was a choir trip to perform in Atlantic City and at the White House in Washington D.C. in 1946! Fern celebrated her High School graduation the same year, then went on to study journalism for one year at Lake Superior State College. The foundation of faith that would serve her well throughout her life was built at the Gospel Hall on Easterday Avenue in Sault Ste Marie where she taught Sunday School. She worked for over a decade at a local law office and Register of Deeds office. Fern developed skills as a seamstress and made clothing for herself and others in her spare time. She enjoyed adventure and took several bus trips out West with a girlfriend and she particularly enjoyed visiting the Traverse City area.

Not to be forgotten was the moment when Fern met the man who would hold the key to her heart. His name was Cleve Brown, and the two first connected at church. Fern and Cleve began dating, and though he would have to go off to work in the western Upper Peninsula as a master pipe-fitter, they spent time together on the weekends. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Fern and Cleve were married on October 29, 1962. The newlyweds then enjoyed a honeymoon to Florida with a visit to Everglades National Park.

Of all the things Fern loved in life, there was nothing she cherished more than her church and her family. Over the years, she and Cleve were overjoyed to welcome their three children, Susan, Jennifer, and Rodney, into their hearts and home. The Brown family lived in Manchester, Tennessee, then Crystal Falls in Michigan's Western Upper Peninsula for a time before settling down in Sault Ste Marie, where Fern and Cleve built a house and raised their children.

In her free time, Fern enjoyed socializing and was an avid reader; she especially enjoyed reading her Bible and hymn books. She tended the family's organic garden, canning and freezing some of the harvest for nourishment through the winter months. Fern prepared wholesome meals, but she particularly enjoyed baking: bread, pastries, pies, cakes and cookies. In summer months, Fern supported the family's many tent-camping trips, canoeing and boating excursions and sailing adventures on the St. Mary's River, the North Channel and northern portions of Lake Huron and Michigan. In winter, the family enjoyed snow shoeing and ice skating. In their retirement years, Fern and Cleve took a couple of motor home trips to Florida, Texas and Arizona. They eventually relocated to the Grand Rapids area to be closer to their children. In 2007, they took a memorable "family roots" trip to visit Ireland, Wales, England, Scotland and Germany. Singing remained a lifelong passion, and Fern loved using her gifts to sing in church. She eventually learned to play the mandolin and joined the Brown family band on vocals, percussion and mandolin, performing for elder groups several times each year.

Fern stayed active throughout life, enjoying "shooting hoops" on occasion, swinging on playground equipment when available, riding her bike, riding on a carousel and taking daily walks well into her 90s. After Cleve's passing in 2012, Fern became more involved in caring for others at the Rest Haven community on Union Street in Grand Rapids. Fern was thrilled to become a grandmother to her beloved grandsons, Jakob and Caleb, and she was particularly fond of watching Jakob's hockey games. She enjoyed fishing with Rodney's family and she never missed a chance to hold her loved ones close.

All who knew and loved Fern were attracted to her youthful spirit, quick smile and radiant presence, beautiful from the inside out. Her faith was unshakeable and she found joy in the simple pleasures life had to offer, always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. A dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother, Fern’s family was her greatest treasure. Fern leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that her loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

Fern Margaret Marie Brown, age 98 of Grand Rapids, and formerly of Sault Ste Marie, passed away December 4, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, Cleve; grandson Caleb Brown; and brothers Robert and Paul Rodiger. Fern is survived by her children: Susan & James Zomerhuis, Jennifer Brown, and Rodney & Christine Brown; grandson Jakob Brown; and brother Donald (Sandy) Rodiger. A graveside service will be held in the Spring at Riverside Cemetery in Sault Ste Marie, MI. Contributions in her memory may be made to Alzheimer's Association – Greater Michigan Chapter.