Fern Lilly Mae Kirchman, 101, of Algoma, was called Home to be with the Lord, Monday evening, August 17, 2026 at Autumn’s Journey Assisted Living. She was born October 5, 1924 in the Town of Ahnapee, the daughter of Johann “John” August Arthur Kirchman and Amanda Wilhelmine Julie (Raether) Kirchman. Fern grew up attending Woodside School in the Town of Ahnapee and St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church in Algoma. She graduated from Algoma High School with the class of 1942. Fern initially worked as a cook for her sister, Mildred “Millie” and brother-in-law, James “Jim” Rabas, at the Kirchman Hotel (originally the Bastar Hotel). Continuing her job search, she went out to San Diego, CA and worked at a plane factory. Fern went to work for an insurance company in the cafeteria until 1950, when she returned home to help on the family farm, testing milk. She then spent the majority of her working career as a chef for the Algoma Hospital. Fern’s faith journey began at St. Paul’s. There, she was a member of the Ladies Aid, attended Bible study, and helped at St. Paul’s Lutheran School. Fern lived her faith, lovingly welcoming family, community members, and guests to “the table” for a meal, caring for the sick, and helping provide for the hungry as a volunteer with Lakeshore CAP in Algoma. When she moved into Autumn’s Journey in Algoma, her only lament was that she “missed attending Bible class.” Fern enjoyed knitting and crocheting and completing jigsaw puzzles. Her family meant the world to her, and she was always there to help on the farm and even at the garage (Algoma Motors). Fern was a wonderful baker, known for her banana cream pie and apple pie, which she usually made with plenty of lard for flavor. She was also a caregiver for various family relation. Fern’s love will live on in the hearts of her nieces and nephews; great-nieces and great-nephews; and other beloved relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Mildred “Millie” (James “Jim”) Rabas, Kenneth “Pat” (LaVaine) Kirchman, Violet (Orville) Buechner, Alice (Robert) Andress, and Richard (Joyce) Kirchman; and other relatives. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at St. Paul’s Ev. Lutheran Church, 406 4th Street, Algoma, WI 54201 with Pastor John Moll and Pastor Joel McKenney officiating. Fern will be laid beside family in the Evergreen Cemetery in Algoma. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. Memorials may be given in Fern’s name for “Save the Algoma Catwalk Fund” (MAIL TO: Nicolet National Bank, 205 Clark Street, Algoma, WI 54201; www.savethecatwalk.com); or a charity of your choice. “Our family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the staff of Autumn’s Journey for the wonderful and compassionate care you provided to Fern during her years residing there. You treated her like family and became that to her. Thank you to the staff of Unity Hospice for the comforting care you provided. And a very special thanks to Jackie and Jane for the loving and devoted care you gave to Fern.” Arrangements have been entrusted with Schinderle Funeral Home in Algoma. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Fern may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www.SchinderleFuneralHome.com.