Fern LeVera Bronson

BURLEY – Fern LeVera Jensen Bronson, age 91, passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2013, in Burley, Idaho.

Fern LeVera Bronson was born the 9th of February 1922 in Burley, Idaho. The oldest of five children born to Martin LeRoy and Olive Vera Clark Jensen. At the time of her birth her parents were living in Sublett on the family dry farm. She was originally named Joan, but when her father blessed her, he gave her the name of Fern LeVera. This shocked her mother, and when she asked her husband where he got that name he told her it was out of a cow book.

Her mother hated living in Sublett and when Fern was 2 years old they rented 80 acres south of Burley. Fern attended the Southwest School and Burley Jr. High. When Fern was 10 years old they moved to Stars Ferry. Fern liked living in Stars Ferry. There was a large group of girls and boys her age. There were lots of parties and dances to attend. One night after Mutual, Fern’s father picked her up and on the way home, Reo Bronson passed them going very fast. Fern’s dad told her that was one boy he would not give his permission for her to date. “He drives too fast.” Reo’s family also lived in Stars Ferry and he worked for Fern’s father thinning and hoeing beets. One night Reo called Fern and asked for a date to the dance. Fern had grown quite fond of Reo and really wanted to go with him to the dance, but she remembered what her father had said. She asked his permission anyway and her father said yes. When Reo arrive to pick Fern up, he was given a lecture that he was not to drive too fast and what time to have Fern home.

Fern graduated from Burley High School with the class of 1940. That night after graduation, Fern and Reo set a date to be married in August. They were married on August 20th. Reo’s parents, Lucian and Ruth Bronson, had bought a farm in View in 1939. A small house was built for Reo and Fern. Reo was to farm the place and after it was paid off they would be given 40 acres.

Reo and Fern were sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Utah LDS Temple on Dec. 17, 1941. They were the parents of two children, Larry (Marlene) Bronson of Boise, Idaho, and Reta (Richard) Williams of Paul, Idaho.

Fern has served in many positions in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She, along with Reo, served as dance directors in the View Ward, teaching the all-girls and couples dances. Fern served as Laurel leader, ward and stake nursery leader, and president of the View Ward Relief Society.

Fern worked most of her adult life to help supplement the income from the farm. She has worked in Van Engelen's as a sales clerk, at Klink’s Florist as floral designer, and at Katherine’s Kindergarten as a teacher for the young children. With her experience as a floral designer, she made the bouquets for nearly all of her children and grandchildren’s weddings.

Reo passed away on Sept. 22, 1990. Fern still lived in the home that she and Reo built in 1960. Since his death, Fern has made Tricot quilts for the grandchildren’s wedding gifts. Fern leaves behind her two children and their spouses; a sister, Betty Jo (Lee) Morgan of Paul, Idaho; a brother, Clark Leroy (Laura Lee) Jensen of Duchesne, Utah; seven grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and two sisters, Norma Patience Jensen (who died as a youth), and Wanda Elnora Stiles.

Fern enjoyed helping others and was active in the Burley Music Club and the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. It is suggested that any donations be made to the LDS Church Missionary Fund.

The family would like to thank Parke View Rehabilitation and Care Center and their staff for the care and support they gave Fern.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, June 24, at the View LDS Church, 490 E. 550 S., of Burley, with Bishop Von Gibby officiating. Burial will be in the Pleasant View Cemetery.

Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, June 23, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 1 until 1:45 p.m. Monday at the church.