Ferne E. Brokhausen (Mrs. Lawrence) of Freeport, IL, passed away on Sunday, February 19, 2023 at Provena St. Joseph Center. She was born October 1, 1926 in rural Winslow, IL, daughter of George and Florence (Lake) Salter. She attended Winslow and Freeport Schools graduating from Freeport High School in 1944. On September 22, 1960 she married Lawrence Brokhausen in Freeport, IL. He died October 26, 1991. She was employed by the former S.S. Kresge Co. and Economy Fire and Casualty Co. for 28 years, also St. Joseph St. Vincent's for nine years. She attended the former United Brethren Church and First Church of the Nazarene for many years and was a 50-year member of Zion Church in Freeport, IL. She was also a member of Naomi Circle and Amity Society of Zion Church.

Survivors include one bonus-son Kurt (Susie) Brokhausen, of Rockford, IL, One bonus daughter in-law Alice Brokhausen of Kansas City, Mo, One bonus-daughter Karen (Ernie) Brose of Stockton, IL, Nieces and Nephews; Ed (Linda) Salter of Janesville, WI, Dorothy (Jim) Wells of Monroe, WI, Larry Salter of San Jose, CA, Ellie (Lee) Weaver of Rockford,IL, Colleen Kappes  of Stockton, IL , Jodi (Larry)  Feiner of Freeport, IL, Troy Salter of Freeport, IL,  Jim (Kathy) Brokhausen of Freeport, IL, Sue Conkling of Freeport, IL, Dennis (Christina) Brokhausen of Dakota, IL, JoAnn Floerke of Freeport, IL, Cheryl (Steve) Pyper of Dakota, IL, Janice Burris of Rockford, IL, Ray (Melissa) Floerke of Florida, and many great nieces and nephews, Grandchildren: Tammy (Scott) Riddell of Freeport, IL, Thomas (Lindsey) McNett of Fulton, WI, Shawn Brokhausen of Kansas City, Mo, Amanda (Douglas) Jankowski and Cassandra (Mark) Streed of Rockford, IL, Great Grandchildren: Andrew (Amanda) Madison, Spencer (Cierra) Brandon, Taylor, Liam, Nicholas, and Ryan; and Great-Great-Grandchildren: Ava, Aurora, Azalea, Aria, Cassius.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, two brothers George and Orville (Karen) Salter, and one sister Roselind (Robert) Neidigh, One bonus son; Kenneth Brokhausen, Brother and sisters-in-law: Lester and Joyce Brokhausen, Valery and Max Floerke, and nephew Ron Floerke.

Special thank you to her bonus daughter; Karen Brose, Zion Church and Provena St. Joseph Center for her care over the years.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday March 4, 2023 at 11AM, with visitation at 10AM until time of service, at Zion Church, 4292 W. Stephenson St. Rd in Freeport, with Pastor Steve Rios officiating. Burial will be in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens. A memorial fund has been established in her name for Zion Church. Arrangements were made by Schwarz Funeral Home.

A Garden of Love grows in a grandmother's heart: Author Unknown