Jeff Fern

Jeff M. Fern, 63, of rural Waukon was a loving, caring and compassionate son, brother and uncle. He unexpectedly passed away March 7, 2016 at his hunting cabin. Visitation for friends and family is scheduled from 4-6 p.m. Friday, March 18 at Martin Funeral Home in Waukon. A Memorial service to honor Jeff will follow at 6 p.m. with Rev. Lynn G. Groe officiating at the funeral home.
Jeff was an accomplished archer and active sportsman in many outdoors activities. Jeff was intensely passionate about nature, and his love for the outdoors was evident through activities he participated in throughout his life. At his cabin, he enjoyed his bird dogs and capturing impressive white-tailed deer on video and in still photography.
Jeffery Mark Fern, the son of Dale W. and Pauline M. (Sandquist) Fern, was born August 16, 1952 in Baldwin, WI. He grew up in Baldwin, graduated from Baldwin-Woodville High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts in business from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. He earned his M.B.A while living in Muskegon, MI.
Jeff had a successful career in the paper milling industry, working as Human Resource Director, specializing in labor law relations. In 2006, he moved to rural Allamakee County, where he built his first cabin on his farmland. He loved his land and cabin, and maintained his crops for the abundant deer that visited.
As an active sportsman, Jeff belonged to various clubs: the Muskegon Bowmen, Allamakee County Sportsman Club, and the Waukon Archery League. He participated in competitive archery as well as enjoyed hunting white-tailed deer on his property. Jeff loved his dogs, both for hunting and companionship.
Jeff is survived by his sister, Cynthia Ann Fern, and her children, Nicole and Jon, of Minneapolis, MN; his brother, Daniel Dale Fern and his wife, Angie, of Rochester, MN; his stepmother, Gloria Fern of Baldwin, WI; and his stepsisters, Karen Nielsen and family of Madison WI, Deanna Medenwaldt and family of Gray’s Lake, IL, and Stevie Rexroth of Minneapolis, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents and a stepbrother, Christian Nielsen.
Online condolences may be left at www.martinfunerals.com.