Fern J. Kittel, 101 of Wausau, passed away on Monday, May 14, 2012 at the Aspirus Hospice House, Wausau. She was born on July 3, 1910 in Wausau, daughter of the late John and Mary (Neitzke) Chiber. On July 3, 1936, she married Anton Kittel at the Mission Evangelical Church, town of Texas. Fern worked for over 40 years as a teacher, beginning her career teaching grades 1 – 8 for country schools in the area. She obtained her Master’s Degree from UW Stevens Point in 1962, and went on to teach special education for the Wausau School District. She enjoyed dancing, fishing, writing poetry, playing cards, and watching the Brewers. She travelled to all 50 US states and countries in Europe and Asia. She also loved spending time at their cabin on Post Lake. She was a member of the United Commercial Travelers, the North Texas Homemaker’s Club, and for 70 years belonged to the Women of the Moose. She received the century award in February of this year from the Wisconsin Retired Teachers Association, of which she was also a member. She was also recognized as the town of Texas citizen of the year. Survivors include her son, Arlin (Sharon) Kittel, Antigo; daughter, Mary Lou (David) Barden, Highlandville, MO; 5 grandchildren, Roxanne (Mike) Molitor, Hatley, Rochelle (Randy) Schielke, Antigo, Ranee (Scott) Preboski, Alaska, Jodi Lynn (Tim Fritz) VanValin, Eagle, WI, and Jody Lynn McBride, Eagle, WI; 4 great-grandchildren, Mathew Leffel, Eric and Ryan Preboski, and Lee McBride; 3 step great-grandchildren and 6 step great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Anton in 1997, and 5 sisters, Adelia Krueger, Alice Weber, Myrtle Ramthun, Evelyn Tiege, and Verna Jaecks. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 22, 2012 at Mission Evangelical Church, T12780 N. County Rd. WW, Wausau. Rev. Richard Ostwald will officiate. Burial will be in the Trinity Cemetery, town of Texas. Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday with a Women of the Moose service taking place at 7:00 p.m. at Brainard Funeral Home, 522 Adams St. Wausau, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Tuesday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Trinity Cemetery, in care of Arlin Kittel, W9370 County Highway F, Antigo, WI 54409. Online condolences may be given at www.brainardfuneral.com