It is with sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Fernandina “Fern” Mae (Dusterhoft) Koschmider, on December 24, 2024, at the age of 100. Fern was born on May 1, 1924, in Iron Mountain (Dickinson County), Michigan, to William and Nona (Konkel) Dusterhoft.
Fern finished her primary education, then married Theodore F. Koschmider on July 17, 1943, after his enlistment in the Army. She then studied to become a welder to support the WWII effort and worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” at the Willow Run Bomber Plant in Washtenaw County, Michigan.
After WWII, Fern and Ted settled in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where they raised their daughter, Carol, and two sons, Gary and Dale. Fern worked at various jobs and concluded her working career at Ford Motor Company. Fern and Ted then moved to Trout Lake, Michigan, where they managed their own real estate business from their final residence together.
Fern was an active member of the community. She served on the Trout Lake Board of Directors, worked on most elections, and helped manage the township park. Fern was a founding member and the oldest member of the Trout Lake Women’s Club. She was also a member of Stitcher’s and Ripper’s and the Red Hat Society. Fern was creative and active outdoors and spent time gardening, sewing, quilting, knitting, crocheting, fishing, hunting, and even ventured into the fitness activities of cycling and cross-country skiing.
Fern is survived by several family members including her son-in-law, Alan McCormick of Westminster, Colorado; two daughters-in-law, Sherry Koschmider of Manistique, Michigan, and Teri Kollath of Saline, Michigan; sister-in-law, Sally (Diane) Johnson; granddaughters, Kelle (McCormick) Vaughn of Westminster, Colorado, and Christine Koschmider of Manistique; three grandsons, Matthew McCormick of Thornton, Colorado, Timothy McCormick of Thornton, and Jason (April) Kollath of Ann Arbor, Michigan; and great-granddaughters, Jordan Kollath of Ann Arbor, and Samantha Boyer of Escanaba, Michigan.
Fern was preceded in death by several family members including her husband, Theodore Koschmider; sons, Allen, Dale, and Gary Koschmider; daughter, Carol (Koschmider) McCormick; brothers, Lyle, Rodney, and William (Bill) Dusterhoft; sister, Diane (Dusterhoft) McKenna; brother-in-law, Horace (Rodney) Gilbert; and granddaughter, Heather (Koschmider) Boyer.
A Visitation Service will be scheduled for May 2025 at the Family Life Funeral Home, 999 S. State Street, St. Ignace, Michigan, 49781. Funeral Services and dinner will be scheduled to take place in Trout Lake, Michigan in May 2025.
Fern’s final resting place will be at the Maplewood Cemetery in the spring of 2025.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com.
