Florence Quern, 92, of Oslo, MN, passed away on Friday evening, October 19, 2012 in Grand Forks, ND. Florence Lucille Hawkinson was born on December 23, 1919 on the family farm in rural Oslo, the daughter of Hiram and Hilda (Aas) Hawkinson. She lived her entire life in the Oslo area. On August 31, 1941, Florence married Vernon Quern. They made their home in rural Oslo where they farmed. They were blessed with three children, eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. Vernon passed away on April 3, 2011. Florence was an active member in her community and a supporter of many organizations including the Senior Club, Oak Park Homemakers and especially Zion Lutheran Church. Florence was an accomplished homemaker and found great joy in gardening, sewing, quilting, baking and was a terrific cook. But, most important to Florence was her Christian faith and her family. She always put her family's interest before her own and seldom missed a family member's or friend's birthday. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother (they don't get any better). In her final days, Florence said she "had a wonderful life and wouldn't change a thing." The legacy to us is that a life devoted to family and others is the highest example of God's work here on earth. She will be deeply missed by her children, Darryl "Jake" and Lenaye Quern of Fisher, MN, Vaughn and Linda Quern of Thompson, ND and Gayle and Bob Gjovik of Apple Valley, MN; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Stacey and Joel Asp and their children, Daniel and Andrea, Shannon Quern, Brent and Melissa Quern and their children, Dylan and Lilly, Tim Gjovik, Cory Gjovik and JoAnn Heim, Steven and Amy Quern and their children Addison, Bailey, Isaac and Aubrey, Cindy and Tim Briggeman and their children Caleb and Peyton, Michael and Diane Quern and their son, Hunter, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; Vernon, her loving husband of sixty-nine years; great-grandson, Zachary Quern; brothers, Elfred, Kermit, infant Hildabert, Maynard and Arlyn and sisters, Jeanette Haugen, Mildred Quern, Verol Olson, Vivian Olson and Doris Hoff. FUNERAL SERVICE: 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 24, 2012 at Zion Lutheran Church in Oslo, MN. VISITATION: One hour before services at the church. BURIAL: Granville Lutheran Cemetery, rural Oslo, MN (Published in Grand Forks Herald on October 21, 2012)