Fern Carstens Whitlow, age 85, of Mitchell, SD, formerly of Huron, passed away on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at the Firesteel Healthcare Center in Mitchell, SD. Her funeral will be 10:30 am Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at Huron Christian Church with burial at Restlawn Memory Gardens Cemetery. Visitation with family present will be from 6-8 pm Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at Welter Funeral Home in Huron with a prayer service at 7 pm; or one hour prior to the service at the church. Fern Darlene Knouse was born on March 18, 1927, in rural Iroquois to Fred and Myrtle (Bond) Knouse. She attended Beadle County Country School through the Eighth Grade. Fern married Herbert Carstens on January 3, 1947 in Huron. The couple moved to Ree Heights while Herbert worked for a rancher. They later moved back to Iroquois, where they both worked for the Iroquois Schools. Fern and Herbert moved to Huron in 1972. After Herbert died on December 15, 1975, Fern started working at the Sun Set Supper Club. While working there, Fern met John Whitlow. Fern married John Whitlow on August 22, 1976 in Mitchell, and the couple moved to his farm near Forestburg. After they retired, they moved back to Huron. John died on September 15, 1998. Fern was a member of the Moose Lodge of Huron, and later of Mitchell; T.O.P.S Inc. in Mitchell and Huron, where she was crowned the State Queen runner-up; VFW Post # 7756 Auxiliary in Gillette, WY, where her son was the commander; and an Extension Club in Iroquois. She enjoyed sewing, including her children's clothes, reupholstering furniture, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Fern is survived by her four sons, Herbert (Kathleen) Carstens of Bridgeport, TX, Steve (Jeanne) Carstens of Kalamazoo, MI, Bruce (Rose) Carstens of Mitchell, and Wayne (Carol) Carstens of Mitchell; 12 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren; brother, Clarence "Heavy" Knouse of Huron; sisters, Jane DeLong of Huron, Mary Meyers of Cavour; sister-in-law, Marilyn Dollenbacher of Huron, SD; several nieces and nephews. Fern was preceded in death by her parents; both her husbands, Herbert in 1975 and John in 1998; grandson, Todd Bowen; two great grandchildren, Amanda Busch and Noah Carstens; and five siblings, Melvin, Frank, Dorthy, Marvin, and Donny.