Fern Degen, age 77, of Mitchell died Wednesday May 19, 2010 at Golden Living Center in Salem, SD. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday May 22, 2010 at Will Funeral Chapel with burial at Hillcrest Cemetery in Ethan, SD. Visitation will be from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Friday at the Will Funeral Chapel with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 PM.

Fern was born on September 18,1932 in Alexandria, SD to Clarence and Pearl (Bennett) Kewley. She grew up in Hanson county and attended Hanson Public School through the 8th grade. She also lived in Ethan before marrying Leo Bud Degen on November 14, 1952 in Mitchell. The couple made their home in Mitchell where they raised 6 children. Fern worked at the Firesteel Nursing Home and later at the Best Western Hotel. But her greatest pleasures were raising her family, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also enjoyed her pets; including her dogs, birds, cats, fish, and hamsters. She was a member of Holy Family Church.

She is survived by her 6 children all of Mitchell. Larry Degen, Kaye Meinke and husband Randy, Gayle Lanier, Mike Degen and wife Shelly, Ricky Degen, and Joe Degen and wife Angie. 17 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren. 1 brother Harold Kewley, Callejo, CA. 4 sisters: Bernida Tammen, Emery, SD; Lillian Blankenship, Alexandria, SD; and Vida Champion and husband Marvin, Evansville, IN; Fauna Kappenman, and husband Randy, Mitchell, SD.

She was preceded in death by her husband Bud, 7 sisters, 4 brothers, 1 son-in-law, and a great-granddaughter.