Fern A. Hammond

Fern A. Hammond, age 87, beloved member of the Leaf River community passed away peacefully on June 26, 2023 in Rockford.

She was born on October 4, 1935, in Leaf River, the daughter of Lee and Viva “Mabel” (Runnion) Westerman. She graduated from Leaf River High School Class of 1953. At age 17, Fern began what would be a nearly four decades-long career with the United States Postal Service. Starting as a clerk before working as a rural carrier and eventually becoming Postmaster in Leaf River until her retirement. She is remembered for being a smiling face to everyone who came into the post office.

Fern was known to be an incredibly caring, kind, and warm person who always put others first.

Fern enjoyed playing games such as Sudoku, working on jigsaw puzzles, or playing cards with family and friends. She also enjoyed working in her garden while taking calming walks around nature. Trying her luck on scratch off tickets were one of her guilty pleasures.

Fern is survived and missed by her children, Kelly Truckenbrod of Rockford, Mindy (Keith) Morgan of Erie, Pat Hammond of Oregon, and Mona (Roger) Best of Rockford; grandchildren, Tiffany (Chris) Oszkandy, Bobby Truckenbrod, Samantha (Matt) Wolf, and Sydney (Ricky) Stubblefield; and great grandchildren, Landon, Lilly, Olivia, and Gabby.

A time of sharing remembrances will take place at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 29th at Farrell Holland Gale Funeral Home in Byron. The visitation period will take place from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM prior to the service. Burial will be at Lightsville Cemetery in Leaf River. Memorials are established for the American Cancer Association or Mercy Hospice.