Fern Jeanette Funk Mishler, beloved sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend passed away Friday, October 22, 2021. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Elma Funk, her brother, Ray Funk, her husband, John Mishler, her son, Greg Mishler, her grandson, Tanner Mishler, and her daughter-in-law, Susan Mishler. She is survived by her sons, Bruce Mishler, and Alan Mishler, her daughter-in-law, Willa Mishler, her grandchildren, Tanci Mishler, Beau Mishler, Brandi Hawkins, Brianna Hall, and Chad Mishler, and her great grandchildren, Jack Hawkins, Nathan Restrepo, Christopher Restrepo, Alex Hawkins, Dominic Mishler, Norah Hall, Jayden Mishler, and Ada Hall.
Fern was born on October 12, 1926 and grew up on a farm in Hillsborough, Kansas with her parents, Alvin and Elma Funk, and her brother Ray Funk. After time on the farm, they moved to town and opened the Gambles Store, and the local bowling alley.
She went to Bethel College, where she studied nursing, and met John Mishler. Upon graduating, they were married and moved to Ransom, Kansas, where they worked on the Mishler family farm, fixed up their new home, and raised chickens. They had three sons, Greg, Bruce, and Alan, who were loved and spoken of often. Large family dinners and celebrations always included amusing stories about the brothers.
Fern was a life-long learner and educator. She was a school nurse at the Ransom High School for many years. She earned a degree in art from Fort Hays State University and later became an art instructor for Ransom High School. After many years working with the school, she became the administrator for the Grissell Memorial Hospital, where she finished her career.
Traveling was an interest and hobby for both John and Fern. In retirement, you would often see them heading out of town in their motorhome, off on an adventure with the grandkids, taking a peaceful break somewhere by a lake, or exploring the United States. They traveled overseas and visited many European countries. Upon arrival back home, Fern would share her many slide pictures with the family.
Fern had many interests and loved teaching herself new skills. She was a seamstress, a knitter, a painter, a gardener, a card player, and domino expert to name a few of her hobbies. She loved to entertain and socialize with friends and family over a nice meal and, of course, a game or two. When meals were completed, Fern would be the first to break out the board games and entice everyone to play, with the promise of dessert after. She loved to dance and would convince John to take her to big band dances. Later in life, Fern was interested in antiques and collected many “chicken on a basket'' ceramics.
Fern and John were devout Mennonites and belonged to the First Mennonite Church of Ransom where they went to church every Sunday. Fern’s commitment to kindness and caring for her family, friends, neighbors, and fellow man was evident in everything she did. Her enthusiasm and love for life will be dearly missed.