Fern Gerhardt, of William Albert House, Emerald Park, widow of the late Carl Gerhardt, passed away Saturday, September 16, 2017, at the age of 90 years. Fern (Kohl) Gerhardt was born January 5, 1927, to William and Katie Kohl of Neudorf. Fern grew up in Neudorf with her two sisters, Iris and Opal. After graduating from Neudorf High School, her dream was to become a nurse; unfortunately, due to health issues with her dad, she remained at home and helped with their home business as a telephone operator until she was united in marriage to Carl Gerhardt June 12, 1949. They moved to Carl's homestead farm near Killaly and remained there until 1979 when they decided to move to Melville for retirement. When Fern lived on the farm, she was very involved in Killaly events. The love of curling and interaction with friends were her favourite. Fern volunteered during sports days, curling events, was a 4-H teacher for sewing and knitting for many years and a member of Killaly Ladies Aide. Later in life, she became a teacher's aide for Killaly School, which she enjoyed tremendously. When they moved to Melville, Fern had a passion to volunteer at a disability centre in Melville, where she came to love all the residents, and many felt the same about her. She would frequently get visits and phone calls from some of them. Fern and Carl loved to travel and did get to see much of Canada and some other countries, plus the passion for the great outdoors led to many days of camping and fishing with family and friends. We will all cherish these good memories forever. Fern will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and will be missed by all who knew her. Fern was predeceased by her husband Carl in 1993 and a sister Opal Sapara. She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memory: sons Bryan Gerhardt of Esterhazy and his children Dean, Kris (Liz) and Kelly (Troy); Dale (Lorna) Gerhardt of Regina and their children Melanie (David), Jeff (Meeka) and Tanya; daughters Debra (Jerry) Markwart of Regina and their children Curtis (Crystal) and Rhegan (Eli); Penny Dubnyk of Saskatoon and her children Sheldon (Tara Lee), Jessy and Tara; great-grandchildren Matthew and Sarah, Claire and Skylar; sister Iris Switzer of Regina, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service was held Wednesday, September 20, 2017, at Matthews Funeral Home in Melville with the Rev. Doug Schmirler officiating. The organist, Gaylene Matthews, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art". Interment was in the Melville City Cemetery with Jeff Gerhardt, Curtis Markwart, Sheldon Dubnyk, Kris Gerhardt, Dean Gerhardt and Melanie Peters as active pall bearers. She was laid to rest beside her beloved husband, Carl. Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
