Ishpeming, MI - Fern Elaine Bertucci, age 86, of Ishpeming entered eternal life on Friday, July 15, 2022, while in the loving care of her children and U. P. Home Health and Hospice's special angel, Paula.

Fern was born on October 25, 1935, to Leonard and Myrtle (Renstrom) Klippel. She grew up in Gwinn and was the second youngest of six girls. The family later moved to Ishpeming where she graduated from high school in 1953. After high school, she worked for Investors Diversified Services as a secretary. During those early years, Fern was an avid bowler traveling with her team and bringing home many trophies. But her fondest memories were summers at camp with her sisters where she developed her love for swimming.

Fern met her husband, William "Bill" Bertucci and they were wed on September 9, 1961. She was a supportive wife during the years that Bill played fast pitch softball. Together they had four children whom Fern had primary responsibility for raising after the death of her husband who was only 49 years old. During those difficult years, she was lifted up in prayers and support by her parish at the Wesley United Methodist church, her family and a special group of friends known as "The Walkers and Talkers." Fern went back to work as a librarian at the C. L. Phelps Middle School in Ishpeming to support her family and at night she would work a second job cleaning a laundromat with her sister in order to send her kids a little money while away at college. After retiring, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren; playing cards with friends; volunteering at her church and spending her summers at the family camp.

Fern is survived by her sisters Janet Genord of Iron Mountain, Patricia Hughes of Ishpeming, sister-in-law Joyce Bertucci of Ishpeming, son Paul (Evelyn) Bertucci of Negaunee, daughters Sandra (Michael) Prusi of Ishpeming and Judy (Keith) Frifeldt of Spring Lake, MI; several grandchildren and great grandchildren along with several nieces and nephews.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bill; daughter, Linda in 1989; and sisters Juanita Klippel, Myrtle Tasson and Irene Mercer.

Fern's family will greet relatives and friends from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM on Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at the Bjork & Zhulkie Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 PM with the Rev. D. Michael Carriere to officiate. Interment will take place at the Ishpeming Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to consider contributions to Cancer Care of Marquette County, c/o David Poirier, 700 W. Kaye Ave., Marquette, MI 49855 or U. P. Hospice Foundation, 510 Mather Avenue, Ishpeming, MI 49849.

Fern's obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulklie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.