Fern Irene Rienstra of Litchville, ND passed away February 7, 2023, at her winter home in Mesa, AZ with the care of Hospice of the Valley and her loving husband of 62 years by her side.

The daughter of George and Edna (Anderson) Richmond. Fern was born April 15, 1940, in Brainerd MN. She spent most of her growing years around the Motley, MN area with all of her still surviving siblings. Violet Luhman (Arvid) of Sheridian, WY, Edith Esler (Richard) of Wadena, MN, Iris Lomnes of Motley, Carolyn Birrer (Mike) of Poplar, MT and Phillip Richmond  (Lisa) of Pioneer,  CA.

After graduation Fern moved to Valley City, ND and worked at Mercy Hospital and Foss Drug before meeting and marrying the love of her life John Rienstra. She moved to Litchville, ND and became a farmer’s Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother.

Fern loved quilting and making other sewing projects, and people! It didn’t matter who you were, she’d stop to visit.

Fern is survived by her husband John; Son, Bruce Rienstra (Susan) of LaMoure, ND; Granddaughter Andrena Andersen (Joel);  Grandson   Ethan Rienstra all of Karlstad, Minnesota, Daughter Wanda Fleshman (John) Valley City, ND – Granddaughter Georgina Abell (Zach) of Sheyenne ND, – Grandson John Peterson of Valley City ND and Six Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her infant son Byran Lee Rienstra; parents George and Edna Richmond; baby brother George Lenwood Richmond; and brother-in-law Jerry Lomnes all of Motley.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held June 3, 2023, at First Reformed Church in Litchville, ND at 1:30 pm with lunch following at the Community Center.

Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City is assisting the family with memorial service arrangements. An online guestbook may be found at www.olivernathanchapel.com