Fern Alene Schryer, 85, of Cheboygan, MI and Redington Shores, FL passed away on Thu, Jun 16, 2011 at the Cheboygan Hospice House with her family at her side.
Fern was born on Nov 25, 1925 in Fife Lake, MI, a small village in Grand Traverse County. She moved with her parents, Bessie and Roy Snell, to Cheboygan when she was a young girl. Fern graduated from Cheboygan High School in 1944, and went to work for Oz McGinn as a legal assistant. Fern was also employed by the City of Cheboygan as secretary to the City Manager.
On Oct 19, 1946 after the War, Fern married her high school sweetheart, George Schryer, at St. Mary’s Parish Rectory. Together, George and Fern raised their family of five children and developed what is known today as the Cheboygan Lumber Company Family and its subsidiaries.
Fern was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and an active member of the community in which she lived. The greatest joys in her life came from watching her family grow and develop. She was a role model to those who knew her and was always there with her words of love and wisdom.
In her younger years, Fern participated in all of her children’s activities, and helped in the schools. She was an active member of St. Mary’s Parish, involved in the Altar Society and St. Jude’s Circle. She was a member of the Cheboygan Golf and Country Club, the CMH Hospital Auxiliary, Roundabouts, the Cheboygan Yacht Club, the Suncoasters of Pinellas County and numerous other community organizations.
Fern’s home was her castle and she was a gracious hostess. She loved to cook wonderful meals, and bake her famous fudge and cookies. She entertained graciously her family and friends with elegance, cared for her home and made it comfortable and welcoming for all who entered.
In later years, Fern spend her summers in Cheboygan and her winters in Redington Shores, FL. She traveled the world, but always said the most beautiful place in God’s creation was sitting on her front porch overlooking Mullett Lake. She felt truly blessed to have had such a full and eventful life.
Fern is survived by two daughters and three sons and their families:
Linda Schryer Konicki and husband Michael, and their family: Dr. Steven Konicki and spouse, KayLynn, and grandchildren, Hanna and Addison of Cheboygan. Meredith Konicki Maxfield and spouse, Scott, and their son, Aidan of Royal Oak and Jonathon Konicki, who resides in Detroit.
William Schryer, and spouse Diane, and their family: Jason Schryer of Cheboygan, and Kim Schryer, who resides in New York.
Roy Schryer and spouse, Debra, and their family: Troy Schryer and partner, Mike Sharkey of Royal Oak. Tara Schryer Ecker and husband Brian, and Todd Schryer and spouse, Katye, and their children, Parson and Elliott, all who reside in Cheboygan.
Jeff Schryer, who resides in Traverse City.
Lisa Schryer Trost and her husband, Karl Trost Sr. and their family: Jamie Trost and son Ethan of Cheboygan and Karl Trost Jr of North Carolina.
Fern is survived by her sister, Karen Edington and husband, Trevis. Her sister-in-law, Shirley McKenzie and husband Orville, and her sister-in-law, Onalie Snell and several nieces and nephews and cousins. Fern was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, George, her sister, Kathleen Clark and brother, Eugene Snell.
Fern’s faith in God was amazing and has served as an example to those who came in contact with her. She was a convert to the Catholic faith in 1962 and a faithful member of the Cheboygan Catholic Community for almost 50 years.
She loved her Church community and she believed strongly in the benefits of a strong Catholic School education, specifically Bishop Baraga School. Memorials in Fern’s name may be made to the Bishop Baraga School Building Fund and the Bishop Baraga Scholarship Program. Fern also believed in the wonderful works of the Cheboygan Hospice House, and memorials may be made in her name to that organization.
Visitation will be held on Mon, Jun 20, 2011 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm, with a scripture service beginning at 7 pm, at the Nordman-Christian Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tue, Jun 21 at 11 am at St. Mary/ St. Charles Catholic Church. Rev. Paul Megge will officiate, burial will be at Maple Grove Cemetery in Cheboygan.