Fern Olive Marcantonio

Fern Olive (Wood) Marcantonio, 90, of Jefferson City, passed away on March 5, 2026. She was born on April 8, 1935, in Miller County, Missouri, to William Earl and Mary Lurel (Burris) Wood, the fifteenth of sixteen children.

Fern grew up on the family homestead between Tuscumbia and Eldon and attended Ginger Ridge Primary School before graduating from Tuscumbia High School in 1952. During her senior year, she met James George Marcantonio, Sr., who worked at the school. After exchanging letters throughout the summer, Fern—normally quiet and reserved—found the courage to board a train to Saxonville, Massachusetts, to be with him. They were married on September 2, 1952, and shared 68 years of marriage before George’s passing in 2021.

The couple lived in Connecticut and Michigan during George’s early teaching and coaching career before returning to Missouri. Fern dedicated most of her life to being a homemaker, though she also worked outside the home at various times. By age 30, she and George welcomed five children—four daughters and one son—who remained at the center of her life.

Fern is survived by four of her children: Brenda (Randy) Reed of Centertown; Jim (Lori) Marcantonio of Camdenton; Robin (Steve) Coffman of Jefferson City; and Melody Marcantonio of Jefferson City. She was preceded in death by her husband; her daughter, Deborah Luetkemeyer; her son-in-law, Nicholas Luetkemeyer; and fourteen siblings. She is also survived by her sister, Wanda Vernon of Eldon.

Fern leaves a large and loving legacy, including 16 grandchildren: Bryan (Angie) Johnson, Barbie (Kris) Rudder, Gabriel Marcantonio, Anna (Craig) Harrell, Alan (Claire) Luetkemeyer, Joshua Luetkemeyer, Casey (Will) Colbert, Jamie (Brad) Fendler, Samuel Luetkemeyer, Adam Luetkemeyer, Daniel Luetkemeyer, Matthew Luetkemeyer, Christopher Coffman, Katy Coffman, Kelsey Coffman, and Andrew (Kaitlyne) Powell; 15 great‑grandchildren: Brayden, Brenner, and Brant Johnson; Halle, Hannah, Jackson, and Noah Luetkemeyer; Jolie and Jase Rudder; Averie and Bennett Colbert; and Ellie, Graham, Tate, and Jett Fendler; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Family was always Fern’s greatest joy. Over the decades, she and George created treasured gathering places—first at Ivy Bend at Lake of the Ozarks and later at their camper in Gascony Village—where summers were filled with swimming, fishing, bingo, cake walks, golf-cart rides, and Grandma’s famous campfire spaghetti. She brought the family together for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter, building traditions that became cornerstones of family life. Each Christmas she baked up to 20 dozen sugar cookies for the grandchildren to decorate, and every Good Friday she boiled dozens of eggs for them to dye. In the fall, her popcorn balls were a seasonal favorite.

Grandma’s home was a haven. Sick grandchildren rested on the sofa with their favorite shows, snacks, and perfectly peeled apples. As they grew older, she kept the pantry stocked with their favorite treats so no one left hungry. Fern’s warmth, steadiness, and unconditional love made her home a refuge—offering comfort, encouragement, or the occasional needed scolding.

In recent years, Fern’s beloved cat, Ava Fern Lindholm Marcantonio, was her constant companion and comfort.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 12 noon Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City.  A funeral service will follow at 12 p.m. with Rev. Earl Wood officiating.  Burial will be held at Riverview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Central Missouri Hospice.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com