Rita Fehrman

Rita Iris Fehrman died peacefully at Diamond Willow, Alexandria, Minnesota, on August 22, 2017 at the age of 92. Affectionately known as “Deanie” to her family and friends, she lived her life with grace, love and laughter, touching others’ lives deeply and forever remaining in their hearts.

One of ten children, Deanie was born on June 21, 1925 to Mary Chlub and Joseph Jerzak in Ivanhoe, Minnesota ~ a place that she would continue to call home for most of her life. In 1945 she graduated from Ivanhoe Public School. While working at the Veterans Hospital, she earned her business degree from the Minneapolis Business College. Deanie and a girlfriend spent the summer of 1947 hitchhiking and backpacking through the Pacific Northwest and Canada. She married Donald Fehrman on June 21, 1949. They were blessed with six children. Deanie dedicated her life to caring for her family. She loved working with the Ivanhoe Public School faculty and students, often referring to this as her “best job” ever.

Deanie’s home and heart were always open to family and friends. She was a fabulous cook and baker. Best known for “Grandpa Don’s BBQ Ribs” and Polish dishes such as keishka and kluski. Loving to bake, no one left her home without enjoying her delicious cookies. She made every day a celebration - every holiday and family gatherings were filled with love. Deanie enjoyed playing cards with her family and friends, as well as cheering for the Minnesota Twins and the Minnesota Vikings. She loved to travel with her family and spent many joyous days in Arizona.

She was preceded in death by her husband, infant son Donald Joseph, her parents, and eight of her sibling. Surviving are her children Gretchen (Ken) Tvrdik, Greg (Jeanne) Fehrman, Brenda (Rich) Lindstrom, Keith (Nancy) Fehrman, Patrice (John) Shekleton, twelve grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, sister Eleanor Robertson, brother-in-law Darrell Fehrman, and sister-in-law Denise Pederson, and numerous nephews, nieces and friends. Her light and love will live on forever. May she rest in peace.



Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 25, 2017, 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial will be at St. Peter & Paul’s Catholic Cemetery in Ivanhoe, MN.