Fern A Ostermiller

Fern Axtell Ostermiller entered in to the arms of Jesus on the evening of July 10th, 2019. She was surrounded by family including her husband George at Brookstone Meadows in Elkhorn, NE. Fern was born September 20th, 1927 in Newton, Iowa to Gael and Josie Atwood, joining brothers Harry and Earl, sister Bernice, and blessed a short time later with younger sister Shirley. Fern loved to be on the farm, caring for the animals, climbing trees, and enjoying as much time outside as she possibly could. After graduation from Newton High School in 1946, she began working as an Abstractor in town. Fern married her first husband, Charles (Chuck) Axtell on September 7th, 1947. They spent over 50 years married, enjoying adventures, growing in their faith with the Lord, having two beautiful sons, and sharing the Word of God together with so many people around the world. They were even part of the Billy Graham crusade. Amazing relationships and memories were made as the Lord’s message was shared with so many. Fern suffered great losses over the years, but always remained faithful to the Lord. Older son Richard (Rick) passed away in 1991, followed by her mother in 1993, and her sweet Chuck in 1998. Her younger son, Doug, joined the family in heaven in 2000. While many may have had their faith shaken, Fern kept her eyes on Jesus and trusted His Word knowing all things were His will. Fern loved and enjoyed time with her grandchildren and friends. A special bond was formed with long time friend George Ostermiller. Fern and Chuck had been friends in the church with George and his wife Bernadine over the years, but they had both seen their spouses go home to the Lord. George and Fern were married in 2002. They brought two families together, sharing so much love and prayers with each loved one. George was there holding Fern's hand as she entered into her everlasting home with Jesus. Fern was preceded in death by her parents Gael Atwood and Josie (DePringer), sister Bernice Slaven, brothers Earl Atwood and Harry Atwood, husband Charles Axtell, sons Richard Axtell and Doug Axtell, and many brothers and sisters in Christ. Fern is survived by her husband George Ostermiller, sister Shirley Osborne (husband George, daughter Alicia), sister-in-law Maxine Atwood, daughters-in-law Nancy Axtell (Doug’s wife) and Renee Schimel (Rick’s wife), grand children Peggy Garthright (husband Todd, children Marshall Suddick, Haley Blazek and Josh Suddick), Pam Coughlin (husband Chris, children Jacob and Payton), Christian Axtell, Dan Axtell (wife Christina, children Kingston and Jaxson), Abby Farrens (husband Greg, children Daden, Aubrey and Ashlyn), step children Laura (husband Jack ), Beth MacArthur (husband Bill, children Dan and Jon), Mark Ostermiller (wife Dawn), Ann Parmenter (husband Matt, children Rachel, Ryan and Christopher), Tim Ostermiller (wife Michelle, children Erica, Rebecca, Nicholas and Jessica), extended family and numerous church family members. Fern loved Jesus with all her heart. Faithful to the end, Fern loved reading her Bible and praying for each family member and her friends. Even in her last days, she continued to pray for her family, as she did daily for so many years before. And Jesus said “Well done my good and faithful servant”. Celebration of Fern's Life: Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at 11:00am, with visitation one hour prior to the service, all at Christ Community Church (404 S. 108 Ave.) Private burial at Slagel Cemetery in Newton, Iowa