Obituary of Fern V. Petramale
In the early morning hours on February 8, 2024, Fern Violet Mueller, Toljanic, Petramale passed quietly in her sleep. Fern was in hospice care and after having a stroke on February 2, her six children and their spouses, Joann and Tom Stockenberg (Joliet, IL), Mary and Brad Berkey (Windsor, CA), Tony Toljanic, dear friend Celeste Furlow and grand dog Toby (DeKalb, IL), Mark and Sharon Toljanic (Rolling Meadows, IL), Lynn and Terry Fuller (Joliet, IL) and John and Samantha Toljanic (Arlington Heights, IL), her grandchildren, Jack and Elliot Toljanic and Cory Kaney feel blessed to have had the time with her to share love, laughter and memories at her bedside. Additionally, as she rested, the “Graumie” of nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren listened to calls sharing memories and songs and hearing the love they were sharing. She has left behind a legacy of love.
Our mom was born on August 7, 1935, in Chicago, IL to John and Gertrude (Sunagel) Mueller. Her parents, her sister Joann Wagner and brother Eddie had all passed on before her, as had husband, Major Anthony Joseph Toljanic and her second husband Mr. Peter Petramale. Mom grew up in Chicago and went to Cook County nursing school, becoming a registered nurse. After marrying our dad in 1956, She lived on Air Force Bases all over the States as they built and grew our family, settling back to the northern suburbs of Chicago after our dad’s passing. She later married our stepfather Peter Petramale in 1970 and settled in Arlington Heights, raising their combined family of ten children; retiring to Rolling Meadows and later living with her daughter Joann prior to moving to assisted living and memory care homes.
We remember mom for so many things: being loving, caring, smart, funny, self-deprecating, quick with a phrase to set you straight, and a great cook; and what we all most admired her for was keeping our family together. As a 32-year-old, in 1967, some thought it would be impossible to support and parent six children from ages one month to 10 years, after her husband’s sudden death. Her public tenacity, strength and her private tears made her a superhero, and we hope we made her proud to be our mom.
And now in the middle of her 88th year, Fern will be laid to rest, in a private family ceremony at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Alsip, IL, next to our dad, and love of her life, who she remembered as “the paperboy.” We will be sharing information regarding a Celebration of Life.
In lieu of flowers or memorials, please consider a donation to your favorite charity in her honor.
For information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.
