Thomas Fernau

Funeral services for Thomas Fernau were held on Monday, April 3, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bonesteel City Hall in Bonesteel, SD, with Pastor Russ Grim officiating.

Music was provided by Joel and Kay Don Jons and Terry Taylor. Tomi, Selena, and Anabelle were in charge of registration.

Casket bearers were all of Tom’s grandchildren.

Interment will be held at a later date. Clausen Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Thomas Fernau was born November 4, 1945 in Lynch, NE, to William and Monica (Salmen) Fernau.

He met Juanita (Tomi) Wright in Norfolk, NE, and later moved to Bonesteel, SD. They were married and combined their families; children Duane and Shawn Fernau and Bryan Wright, were joined by Lonnie, Bill and Tiffany, born to Tom and Tomi’s union. They also added Rocky Straw to their family and raised their granddaughter, Rachelle Wright, for a number of years.

He spent the majority of his life working on the Mulehead Ranch for Curley and Rose Haisch, and later worked for Cenex in Fairfax until a month before his death.

He is survived by his children: Duane (Sonya) Fernau of Fairfax, SD, Shawn Fernau of Schuyler, NE, Lonnie Fernau of Bonesteel, SD, Bill (April) Fernau of Madison, SD, Tiffany (Donnie) Whipple of Bonesteel, SD, and Bryan Wright of Butte, NE; 23 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and brothers and sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Tomi, daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, a great-grandson, and a sister.