Stephanie Joy Fernholz (62) was born March 31, 1956 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to Rev. Ernest and  Margaret (Eid) Haygeman.  The family moved to Garretson, SD then Aberdeen SD and eventually Madison, MN where she met her husband Steve and graduated high school in 1974.

After high school she attended one year at Golden Valley Lutheran College in Golden Valley, MN.  In 1975, she married Steve Fernholz and moved to Newcastle, NE where she attended St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing in Sioux City, Iowa.  Stephanie graduated in 1977 with great distinction finishing top of her class receiving her RN degree.

In the fall of 1978, Steve and Stephanie moved to Blue Earth, MN where Steve taught and coached at Blue Earth Area Schools.  Stephanie touched many lives in the 40 years she spent in nursing.  She began her career as an OB Nurse at United Hospital, then spent time as an Emergency Room Nurse, before finding her professional calling as a Hospice Nurse in 2009.  Stephanie was currently employed at Seasons Hospice in Rochester, where she took ultimate pride in providing the best end of life care and support to patients and their families.

Stephanie was also active in Christian Women's Club, often traveling distances to deliver speeches about the loss of her 2 nd child (Jessica Marie) in hopes of providing comfort to others experiencing grief.    She spoke of her strong belief in God and her faith which helped her through her loss.

Although Stephanie's professional career was admirable, it was the mark that she left on those fortunate enough to know her personally that is truly noteworthy .  She dedicated her personal life to providing words of comfort, celebration and joy to her friends and family that she loved and protected fiercely.   She was always armed with a big smile, story, or a photo of her grandkids to share with anyone willing to listen.

Stephanie is survived by her husband, Steve; sons, Chris (Molly) Oronoco, MN, and Jacob Winona, MN; daughter, Katie (Bern) O'Brien, Rochester MN;  two brothers, Daniel (Nancy Emeral Haygeman)- Billingham, WA and John Haygeman of Seattle, WA; two sisters, Sonja (Tom) Whitford Anchorage, Ak, and Kris (Will) Kurtz Winnipeg, Manitoba; and five grandchildren, Abby Schimek (18), Jack Eustice (12), Brynn Fernholz (8), Charlie O'Brien (6), and Nora Fernholz (4).

She was preceded in death by her parents, numerous aunts and uncles, and her daughter Jessica Marie Fernholz.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Seasons Hospice in Rochester, MN.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, May 16 in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home with Pastor Ron Prasek officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm Tuesday, May 15 at the funeral home.