Fern Rodgin (Lebanon) 's Obituary
Fern Ruby Berg Rodgin, daughter of Emil and Hazel Arnold Berg, was born December 13, 1922, in Lebanon, Missouri. She departed this life peacefully Friday, October 13, 2017, in Lebanon South Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of ninety-four years, and ten months.
In September of 1984, she was united in marriage to Dr. David Rodgin, who passed away in June of 1997.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Lloyd Berg; and a sister, Bonita Randolph.
Fern is survived by a son, Terry Berg, of Modesto, California; a stepson, Dan Rodgin, of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Clyde Berg, and his wife, Nancie, of Lebanon, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in the Lebanon area and graduated from Lebanon High School. She then moved to Springfield where she attended Springfield Business College and Missouri State University. After experimenting with various teaching positions and social work, she worked for the American Red Cross in the field of human services for many years, serving assignments throughout the United States and Europe. Near the end of her service, Fern returned to St. Louis, where she attended Washington University and earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work. She then took a job with the Missouri Department of Family and Children Services in greater St. Louis, and worked as a social worker. It was during this time she adopted her son, Terry.
Within a short time, Fern married a former friend and colleague, Dr. David Rodgin and they made several moves before ultimately settling in Modesto, California. They remained happily together until his passing in June of 1997. Fern then returned to Lebanon in 2009, and made her home where she was closer to family.
Fern was active in various churches where she lived, mostly in United Methodist Churches. This was especially true while living in Modesto, California.
She was a kind, caring, intelligent, creative and adventuresome person. She loved traveling to experience new cultures, and also enjoyed teaching, reading, writing, art, and gardening. She remained interested in education and was always helping others.
Fern was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and her accomplishments and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them during her ninety-four years.
A memorial has been established to the Parkinson Foundation.
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