Fern Lillian DeGree, 95, Minot, formerly of Sawyer, died Saturday, November 17, 2018 in a Minot Assisted Living Center.

Fern was born on August 29, 1923 on the family farm near Sawyer, North Dakota, one of 12 children to Carl and Ida (Seney) Irwin. She was raised and educated near Sawyer and graduated from Minot High School in 1942. She continued her education at Minot State College, where she received her standard teaching certificate.

Following her education, she taught at country schools near Foxholm. It was here that she met Marvin DeGree. They were united in marriage on July 7, 1946 at Lexington, SC, while he was stationed at Ft. Jackson, SC with the U.S. Army. They returned to North Dakota, where in addition to raising their three children, she was employed as an assistant to Reuben "Ookie" Hammond with the Minot Recreation Commission. She established the Good Shepherd Day Care Center at the Church of God of Prophecy where she was a longtime member. In later years, Lighthouse Church became her place of worship. Fern enjoyed spending time in her gardens along with having coffee with family and friends. Marvin died May 7, 1991. She continued to live in Minot, moving to Somerset Court in February of 2013.

Her loving family includes , children: Dianne (Andrew) Freed, Minot; Dennis (Cindy) DeGree, Las Vegas, NV; Nancy (Reg) Parker, Minot;  grandchildren: Jaison (Jenn) Freed, Ashley Freed, Jack (Tisha) DeGree, Edward (Jenna) DeGree, Melissa (Jon) Van Deventer, Michelle Arnold, Michael (Laura) Grueneberg; great grandchildren: Jacob & Michael Freed, Daniel, Sadie & Taylor DeGree; Evan & Cassidee DeGree; Carson & Madison Van Deventer; Marcus, Lucas, Mikhal & Matthias Grueneberg; brother, Robert Irwin of Bismarck; a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

Fern was preceded in death by : her parents, husband; brothers; Marvin "Red", Wesley, Harold, Earl, Lee and Orval and sisters, Bernice, Corlea, Sylvia and Edith.

Funeral service : Saturday, November 24, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in First Assembly of God Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Friday, November 23, 2018 from 3:00-6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
In lieu of flowers or plants, the family prefers memorials.

Fern DeGree Flower Photos