Fern Pfitzer

MADISON - Asleep in Jesus, Fern M. Pfitzer, age 90, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2012, at St. Mary's Care Center.
Fern was a pioneer in the field of early childhood education and a cherished Christian role model for young children, parents, her family, nieces and nephews, and all who loved her as a teacher and friend.
An only child, Fern was born in Dolton, Illinois, March 14, 1922, to Louise and Emil Seitz, now deceased. She was baptized, confirmed, and married in the same Dolton church, St. Paul's Lutheran. She studied education at Concordia University Chicago, a Lutheran college (where in 1998 she was honored as Alumna of the Year). In 1941 at age 19 her teaching career began at Bethel Lutheran School in Westmont, Illinois, where she taught more than 50 children in kindergarten through third grade. She also taught in Ohio, New York, Missouri, and Wisconsin primarily at schools in The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) until her retirement in 1997.
In 1967 Fern founded the preschool at Christ Memorial Lutheran Church (now The Church at Christ Memorial, in Fitchburg). She taught and was director there for nearly 30 years devotedly teaching more than 1,200 children.
Fern served as an LCMS Early Childhood Consultant from 1972 - 1992, volunteering her time to help Lutheran churches in Wisconsin and neighboring states launch preschools and assist the educators. Fern edited "Building Blocks," a monthly publication with articles and hints for teachers and preschool directors. She also presented countless workshops and planned early childhood conferences for regional and national events.
Fern was the 1997 recipient of the WKOW Crystal Apple Award recognizing outstanding contributions to education in south central Wisconsin. A world traveler, Fern has visited every continent except Antarctica.
She met her husband, John, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was married in 1943.
Fern is survived by Jean (John) Brogaard, Omro, Wis., Joan (Keith) Loesch, Woodbridge, Vir., Jack (Cindy), St. Louis, Mo., daughter Jill Pfitzer Jepsen, White Bear Lake, Minn. Also surviving Fern are a sister-in-law, Grace Pfitzer, Chattanooga, Tenn., and ten grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
Preceding Fern in death was her husband, John, 1980. He was a Lutheran grade school teacher and principal, high school teacher, and professor at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. In Madison he served as Director of Development for the Adult Christian Education Foundation. Also preceding Fern in death was an infant grandson, Daniel John Brogaard.
A memorial service celebration of Fern's eternal victory in Christ will be held Saturday, April 28, 11:00 a.m. at the LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE LIVING CHRIST, 110 N. Gammon Road. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Church at Christ Memorial Preschool, 2833 Raritan Rd., Fitchburg, WI, 53711; or the Early Childhood Education Center, Concordia University Chicago, 7400 Augusta St., River Forest, IL 60305; or Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Pl., St. Louis, MO 63105.