Fern M. Harnish, 99 of Freeport, IL, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on February 12, 2026, at her home. She was born on October 26, 1926 in Lena, IL, the daughter Clemmie and Nellie (Buss) Ferguson. Fern married Gerald Harnish on November 11, 1944, in Freeport. Fern and her husband farmed the majority of their life, first in Rock City and then in the rural Pearl City area.

Fern was a long time member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lena. She was a former member of the Moose Club in Freeport and the Friendship Club of Lena. Her hands were never idle. She did crocheting, needlepoint, cross-stitch and hand-stitch quilting. She decorated cakes for many years for weddings, anniversaries and birthdays. Enjoyed cardinals and lighthouses. Raised beautiful gardens of irises and gladioluses. She loved country music seeing many shows at the Masonic Temple and in later years enjoyed listening to Debbie & Larry perform. Fern was an avid Chicago Cubs fan which came along after attending many of Donnie's sporting events. And took many trips including Hawaii & Alaska.

She is survived by two children Richard (Bobbi Eanes) Harnish and Debra (Larry Bettcher) Martin both of Freeport; and grandson Donnie (Massy Abrishami) Martin of Denver, CO.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband Gerald on April 30, 2016, parents, two brothers Earl Ferguson and Raymond Ferguson, sister Violet Hull.

The family would like to thank the FHN Hospice team & "Bert Brinkmeier" for ALL the special care to make Mom comfortable.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday February 23, 2026 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. till time of service on Monday February 23, 2026 at the Leamon Funeral Home in Lena.

Officiating will be Pastor Thomas Mosbo.

Interment will take place at Grandview Cemetery.

A luncheon will follow at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Lena.