Fern Tufte, 100, of York, ND passed away Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby, ND.   Funeral Service will be held at 11: 00 AM Monday August 8, 2022 at Leeds Lutheran Church in Leeds, ND.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will take place at St. Petri Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural York.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Petri Lutheran Cemetery Fund: 3551 58 ^th Street NE Rugby, ND 58368.  Everyone is welcome to stream the funeral service through the Nelson Funeral Home Facebook Page.

Fern Tufte, 100, of York, ND passed away Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Heart of America Medical Center in Rugby, ND.   Funeral Service will be held at 11: 00 AM Monday August 8, 2022 at Leeds Lutheran Church in Leeds, ND.  Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will take place at St. Petri Lutheran Church Cemetery in rural York.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the St. Petri Lutheran Cemetery Fund: 3551 58 ^th Street NE Rugby, ND 58368.  Everyone is welcome to stream the funeral service through the Nelson Funeral Home Facebook Page.

Fern was born October 12, 1921 to James and Barbara (Rearick) Crum on a farm in rural York.  She was educated in York and graduated from York High School.  Fern was united in marriage to Paul "Bennie" Tufte on June 5, 1949.  The couple resided in York where they farmed and raised four children: Paul, Jim, Gary and Bonnie.

Fern was baptized at the York Brethren Church, later becoming a member of St. Petri Church rural York until its closing, and then becoming a member of the Leeds Lutheran Church. She was very active in the York Legion Auxiliary as well as the Harlow VFW Auxiliary.  She also was a member of the Harlow Homemakers for many years. Fern was a great cook and baker.  From a young age, Fern helped in the cook car during harvest and would take the Model T to bring food to the men in the field.  She taught her daughters-in-law how to cook, and she enjoyed decorating cakes and baking donuts for family and friends. Fern also loved gardening, especially raising flowers.  At times she would also provide help for those who needed homecare throughout the area.

Fern is survived by her sons Paul (Karen), Jim (Diane), Gary (Tammy) all of York, ND; daughter Bonnie Duchscher of Knox, ND; 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Barbara Crum; husband of 55 years, Paul "Bennie" Tufte; son-in-law, Carl Duchscher; siblings, Charles Crum, Ada Crum and Velma Schmaltz.

Casket Bearers will be Fern's grandsons, Eric Tufte, Ben Tufte, Jason Duchscher, Shane Duchscher, Nick Duchscher and Nathan Duchscher.  Honorary Casket Bearers will be Fern's granddaughters and great-grandchildren.