Dorothy Norma Fernham

Dorothy Norma Fernham, 95, passed peacefully in her sleep early Dec. 26, 2024, at the Timbers of Cass County, Dowagiac, after a brief stay.

Dorothy was born Jan. 4, 1929, at her folks' farm south of Watervliet, the fifth of six children born to Emil and Olga (Schroeder) Kraklau. Being raised on a farm during the Depression, she learned the values of hard work and thriftiness that she continued throughout her life. She graduated from Watervliet High School in 1946.

On June 5, 1948, she married George Fernham. They lived in Watervliet and Hartford, before moving in 1961 to the farm on Red Arrow Highway west of Hartford where they lived for the next 36 years.

Although she worked nearly 10 years at the dental office of Dr. Robert Lyons in Watervliet, Dorothy's proudest role in life was that of being a wife, mother and homemaker. She and George had two sons: George Jr. "Punk," and Gary, and they attended all of their boys' sporting events (baseball, football, basketball, track and field) and she gladly hosted their friends for dinners and sleepovers. She belonged to the Mothers Club in Hartford with several of her friends.

Dorothy was born with a green thumb and enjoyed gardening and tending plants all her life. She was a very good cook but was always up for a pizza night. Independent and spirited, she had a wicked sense of humor and an adventurous side. She and George enjoyed day trips on their motorcycle along with friends Vern and Les Johnson. She flew in a helicopter over the Hoover Dam at the age of 80. She liked playing cards and bingo, going to the casino and hunting mushrooms. Like her sons, she was a huge Detroit Tigers fan.

For years she ran a continual rummage sale during the summertime and squirreled away enough money that she was able to surprise George (then retired) with a fifth-wheel camper. For many years they took the camper south for the winter, staying near Weslaco, Texas, and making friends from all over the country. On the way home each spring they'd detour to Louisiana to visit and fish with two of Dorothy's brothers, Bud and Walt, who wintered there.

In 1997 Dorothy and George, along with their cat Amos and little dog Andy, moved next door to their son Gary and his wife, Janis, in Dowagiac. Ever the farm girl, she continued gardening and doing yard work, mowing her own lawn well into her 70s. She enjoyed making family dinners, especially when their son Punk came home from Dallas to visit.

Dorothy is survived by her two devoted sons: George Jr. "Punk," and Gary (Janis Hadley) Fernham of Dowagiac; sister-in-law, Jeanette Kraklau of Watervliet and several beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her loving husband of 51 years, George; baby daughter, Diana; sister, Ruth Muth; and brothers, Walt Kraklau, Ervin "Bud" Kraklau, Bill Kraklau and Carl Kraklau, all of Watervliet.

The past few years have required extra help to allow Dorothy to remain in her home. Her family is grateful to the ladies at Corewell Wound Care Clinic in Niles; home care nurse Samantha and aide Alicia; niece, Connie Westlake; nephew, John Kraklau; and family friend, Kathy McDonald for their care, kindness and companionship. We couldn't have done it without you.

As per her wishes, Dorothy has been cremated. A memorial service is set for Friday, Jan. 24, at the Calvin Funeral Home in Hartford. Visitation will be from 11 a.m.-noon, with the service at noon. Pastor Doug Tipken officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Cass County Council on Aging. Those wishing to leave condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.