Robert Ferring

Robert N. Ferring, 88, of rural Lansing died peacefully surrounded by his loving family Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at Thornton Manor in Lansing. Mass of Christian Burial was held Saturday, March 12 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Lansing, with Rev. John Moser and Msgr. Ed Lechtenberg as the Concelebrants. Burial followed at Gethsemane Cemetery, Lansing with Military Rites.
Bob was born on the family farm near Churchtown July 26, 1927 to Nick and Gertrude (Doehler) Ferring. He attended school at Center Township #1 through the eighth grade. He farmed with his father and brother, Paul, until July 10, 1951 when Bob was drafted into the Army, serving primarily in Japan and a short time in Korea. He returned home June 9, 1953, rejoining his father and brother on the farm. The farming operation expanded where he owned his own farm.
August, 3, 1963, Bob married Margaret Thorsten-Luth at Immaculate Conception Church in Lansing. With this union he became a loving dad to Margaret’s six daughters. Bob and Margaret operated a dairy farm, discontinuing the dairy aspect and beginning a beef cow-calf operation in 1995, before retiring in 2010. Bob enjoyed playing cards and spending time with his family. His faith, farm and family were extremely important to him.
Bob is survived by his wife, Margaret; a daughter, Robin (David) Johnson of Waukon; six step-daughters: Kathy (Leo) Conway, Virginia (Mike) O’Hare, Lavonne (Tom) Callahan, Cindy (Jim) Callahan and Laure (George) Manning, all of Lansing, and Pam (Randy) Smith of Waukon; 21 grandchildren; 45 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Gretchen Sanchez of Lansing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Gertrude Ferring; his brother, Paul; and two sisters-in-law, Edith and Katherine.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lansing assisted the family with arrangements.