John “Jack” Robert Fernau Sr. was born in Butte, Nebraska, to John “Bud” Joshua Fernau and Merna Selma Fritz. He passed away on August 25, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society nursing home in Wagner, South Dakota, at the age of 90.

Jack grew up in the Butte area and graduated from Butte High School.

On May 21, 1956, Jack married his high school sweetheart, Norma Jean Haney, at Community Bible Church in Butte. They loved to dance. Together they welcomed four children: Bob, Cindy, Teri, and Tammy.

Jack was smart, kind, and hardworking, a true farmer and rancher who loved raising crops and cattle and spending time outdoors. He planted a garden every year, enjoyed fishing, and taught his grandchildren how to fish; all they needed was a cane pole and a worm. He said his garden and his fishing dock were his ‘little piece of heaven on earth’. Later in life he enjoyed feeding and watching birds.

Above all, Jack loved his children and grandchildren deeply. He treasured the time he spent with them and the memories they made together. His family was blessed to have him in their lives, and he will be greatly missed.

Jack is survived by his children: Bob (Karla) Fernau of Rapid City, SD; Cindy (Charlie) Wolf of Burke, SD; Teri (Roger) Rave of Crooks, SD; and Tammy Lingen of Luverne, MN. His grandchildren are John (Nicole), Jeff, Heidi (Andrew), Melanie (Michael), J.J. (Rose), Christina (Adam), Josh, Jenelle (Dallas), Levi (Katie), Dusty (Missy), Kerry (Tiffany), Chelsi; as well as 27 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Vesta Haney, and many nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife, Norma Fernau; his parents, John and Merna Fernau; his parents-in-law, Frank and Florence Haney; his sister, Merna Mae Venker; his brothers, Daryl Fernau and Bill Weber; his sisters-in-law, Lee Fernau and Donna Haney; his brothers-in-law, Lyle and Jim Haney; and his great-granddaughter, Mariana Krempges.

Funeral services for John “Jack” Fernau, age 90, of Burke, SD will be held on Sunday, August 30, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke. Burial will be in the Butte Cemetery, Butte, Nebraska. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.