Fern Adele Lawler

Fern Lawler passed away peacefully at Pathways Hospice Facility surrounded by those she loved the most on January 16, 2025. Despite living with ALS for the last 4 years of her life, her attitude always remained outward focused, loving those around her, and always putting others before herself, even in her final days.

Fern was born on July 22, 1951 in Rock Rapids, Iowa. She was the only daughter with 2 older brothers and one younger brother. Fern grew up on a farm where she learned the value of hard work and shared responsibility. Her family attended the First Reformed Church and they remained an active part of the faith community. She also attended Rock Rapids High School and enjoyed student government and played the saxophone in the band. Fern loved track and field but could not compete with her High School because girls' sports were not available. Fern took it upon herself to hire a private track coach so she could compete independently at other area high school track and field meets.

After High School, Fern attended John F Kennedy college for one year in Nebraska where she ran collegiate track. She then transferred her sophomore year to Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa and continued on with collegiate track and where she met the love her life Dan Lawler. Fern was the 1971 Homecoming Queen and maintained an exceptional academic career. After college Fern taught and coached the girls' track team at Ames High School in Ames, Iowa and shortly thereafter, she attended Iowa State University to earn her Masters and Ph.D. in Psychology. While Fern was finishing her Ph.D program at Iowa State she gave birth to her daughter Amanda, who was her greatest gift. Fern's career really took off when she took a teaching position at Colorado State University in the Psychology Department, which then led to her starting her own private practice.

Fern's greatest passion and calling from the Lord was to walk with others through life's ups and downs. As a psychologist, there are an untold number of people who sat in front of Fern and received her love, guidance, compassion, and wisdom, through some of life's most difficult circumstances. She was a confidant, steady voice, advocate, and safe space for countless individuals who will never forget Fern's impact on their lives.

Fern was someone who exuded generosity in the time she gave others, the talent she contributed as a therapist, and her financial contributions to so many different philanthropic organizations and individuals in need.

Fern always loved spending time with her family, friends, watching sports, and spending time outdoors. She liked to hike in the Colorado mountains. She also enjoyed her various book clubs with some of her dearest friends.

Fern was preceded in death by brothers, Victor Van Wyhe and Galen Van Wyhe. She is also preceded by her Mother, Henrietta Van Wyhe, and Father Vernon Van Wyhe.


She is survived by the following, who will remember her as: a faithful and devoted wife to Dan Lawler, a loving Mother to Amanda Buenger (Jess) and Jonathan Woodward (Jessica), an adoring "Nana" to her four granddaughters Addison, Ariella, Olivia and Brooke, and adopted grandson Nick, and adopted granddaughter Lainey. Her grandchildren were her source of deepest joy. Fern will also be remembered as a precious Sister, Sister-in-Law, Aunt, friend, and colleague.

A visitation will be held 5-7pm, Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at Bohlender Funeral Chapel. A celebration of life will be held 10 am, Wednesday, January 29, 2025 at Timberline Church, South Auditorium, 2908 S. Timberline Rd. The graveside service will follow at 2 pm at Resthaven Memory Gardens Cemetery. The celebration of life may be viewed at https://youtube.com/live/swBJA0Z0Za8?feature=share