Fern was born on August 23, 1930 in Richland County, WI.  She was the daughter of Keith and Helen Weeden Unbehaun.  She attended Avoca and Blue River, WI schools, graduating in 1948.  Fern married Gervase Bailey in 1948 and had three children.  She divorced in 1972 and then found her love and partner Frank S. Nelson.  They married in Rockford in 1974 and spent the next four decades creating beautiful memories through travel, time with family and friends, and through service to the community.  Her love of travel took her to the southwest, Alaska, the west coast, Hawaii, and Germany, among other places.  The couple even hiked the Grand Canyon after which she temporarily lost her toenails!  
Fern was employed for 20 years by the Amerock Corporation then in real estate sales for another 22 years.  She was a member of Roscoe United Methodist Church and was a trustee for many years.  She was also a member of the former Ledges Board of Directors.  
Her home was the site of countless gatherings and events, always filled with hospitality and Fern's wonderful cooking.  She always noticed the beauty in nature and people.  She was a warm and thoughtful woman who enjoyed working with and getting to know others.  Fern will be remembered as much for her strength and practicality as for her kindness and generosity.   
She is survived by daughters, Dianne (Wayne) Young of Roscoe, Pamela Bailey of Modesto, CA, and son, William (Zita) Bailey of Rockford, IL.  Her stepchildren include Frank (Ilene) Nelson, Jr. of Olympia, WA and Beth (John) Watson of Lacey, WA.  Grandchildren Corey (Maribel) Young of Pharr, TX, Jason (Stacey) Young of Pasadena, CA, Golden (Ryan) Battleson of Medford, OR, Vincent Bailey of Modesto, CA, Josh (Randi) Watson and Kirsten (Pete) Iversen of Seattle, WA.  Her great grandchildren include Morgan and Sydney Young of Pasadena, CA and Walter Lou Battleson of Medford, OR.
Fern passed away peacefully after a brief time in hospice care on March 6, 2021.