Ferne Ellen Claus
November 29, 2019
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Service Details
Ferne Ellen (Gagnon) Claus was born on January 11, 1924, in Dixfield, Maine, to Phillip and Winnifred (Blaisdell) Gagnon. She was the first sibling in her family to graduate from high school where she excelled as an all-star shortstop (“shotshop”) on the softball team in Mexico, Maine.
Ferne married Arthur Burdette Claus in 1943. She retired after 25 years of working for Iowa Des Moines National Bank and Norwest Bank. She was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church for 74 years. She was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and St. Louis Cardinal fan.
Ferne was very selfless, always giving and helping others. Her volunteer efforts were many: managing Little League concessions, serving as a church greeter, preparing after-choir dinners, arranging flowers for the gift shop at Mercy Hospital, and greeting donors and providing refreshments at the LifeServe Blood Center for 25 years. Ferne was a talented knitter and liked making afghans and gifting them.
Ferne looked forward to spending the winter months in California with her daughter, grandchildren, and especially her two great-grandchildren where she was known as Gigi.
She recently moved from her home in Des Moines to an assisted-living facility in Ames to be close to her son and daughter-in-law. She didn’t hesitate to make friends during the month she lived there.
Ferne passed away on Friday, November 29, 2019 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames, Iowa at the age of 95. All who knew her will miss her pleasant, generous, and caring spirit.
She is survived by her daughter, Linda (Allen) Luger; son, Larry (Diana) Claus; grandsons, Isaac Luger and Noah (Melissa) Luger; and great-grandchildren, Jett and Norah Luger.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sister, and four brothers. When her husband, Arthur, died in 2011, they had been married 68 years after a 2-week courtship, and now they are together again.
A memorial celebration will be held in the Chapel at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines on Saturday, December 14th at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to LifeServe Blood Center in Des Moines in loving memory of Ferne.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Thomas Dreyer
12/17/2019
Fern and Art were like an extra set of Grandparents for my new daughters when I married Sara in our backyard next door. Many good memories with them and I'm saddened to know both Art & Ferne are gone from , but happy for them as they get to see each other again in heaven. For her family, we send our heartfelt sympathies to you.
Sara Dreyer
12/17/2019
Our hearts are saddened to learn of Ferne's passing. What a dear, fun, generous, lovely person our family was privileged to have as a neighbor. Ferne and Art were substitute grandparents for our Tiffany. She enjoyed such wonderful memories of both. Tom and I have great memories as well. We couldn't have asked for better neighbors. Linda and Larry, we know the loss of a mom (and dad) are difficult, so we pray your beautiful memories will ease the sadness. May G-d keep you close and bring you what you need. Sincerely, Sara Dreyer
Lynnetta (Perkins) Hamiton
12/14/2019
Larry and Linda, condolences from me, and my sisters Karen and Carol. I cherished the Christmas cards I received from her every year. She was part of my life for years and I will miss her.
She will now be reunited with her love, my cousin, Art, for eternity.
Eldon & Sharon Sperry
12/12/2019
Linda and Larry, we are very sorry for the loss of your mother. We are still in Florida and wont be able to make the memorial service. Ferne and Art were very special friends of ours for a number of years. Our friendship began over 50+ years ago when Eldon and Art began working together in the State Comptrollers Office. The friendship developed even more over the years when we had the opportunity to travel together each year to an Iowa road football game. Ferne was a very special and caring friend. She enjoyed her volunteer activities and meeting new people. We will always cherish the memories we have of our friend Ferne.
Bob and Mary Willson
12/12/2019
Sorry to hear about Ferne. She was a great lady. Enjoyed the time we spent together. She will be missed.
Sheila Brown
12/10/2019
Such a sweet, happy lady. I will miss seeing and visiting with her as our paths crossed from time to time. My deepest sympathy to those she has left behind. May you find comfort knowing she is again with her beloved, Art. The two of them were such a special couple.
Shirley Daniels
12/09/2019
Ferne and Art Claus were very special, friendly, caring people. I feel privileged to have known them. I wish Ferne & I had been able to get together for lunch after her return from CA this year. But I'm certain we will meet again in Heaven. Art and Angels are rejoicing at her arrival!! My deepest sympathies to you Larry, your sister, your wife, nieces, nephews & friends. Your Mother was a sweet, kind, unforgettable person.
Rev. Deb Hill-Davis
12/08/2019
So sorry for your loss, Larry. Your mom was such a sweet lady! I am so glad that she was able to come to Unity several times and that I was able to meet her. Her bright and beautiful light shines on in our hearts. Much love to you and Diane and your family. Blessings and love, Rev. Deb
Sue Ann Wilson Wood
12/08/2019
So sorry for your loss. I worked at Iowa-Des Moines National with Ferne.
She was very sweet to a 19 year old kid in 1973.
Always appreciated the experienced people that were always willing to help back then!
I retired after 36 yrs in banking because of people like Ferne.
Cheryl Cunningham
12/07/2019
So sorry for your loss, Linda. You were in my homeroom at North high school years ago and we often wonder what happened to you.
Cheryl