Fern Mary Dirksen passed away peacefully on September 17, 2026, at the age of 101, in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

She was born on April 14, 1925, in Iron Mountain, MI to Hulda and Alfred Brown. A wife, a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother were just a few of the roles she played in her life. She was always proud of her "yooper" roots, as well as being an active member in the Iron Mountain, Wilmette, Maryville, and St. Paul's Methodist Church communities.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband Raymond, her daughter Diane Snyder, and her son David Dirksen.

She is survived by her daughter Susan Yoder, her son Steven Dirksen (Audrey), and many loving grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on October 3rd at Clark at Franklin Senior Living (1575 Martin Luther King Jr. St SE, Grand Rapids) at 1:30pm.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.