Norma Jean Fernau was born March 26, 1937 in Butte, Nebraska to Frank Dale Haney and Florence Marie Beem and died March 2, 2016 at the Gregory Community Hospital in Gregory, South Dakota at the age of 78 years.
Norma grew up in Butte, Nebraska and graduated from Butte High School.
Norma married her high school sweetheart, John "Jack" Fernau, on May 21, 1956 at the Community Bible Church in Butte, Nebraska. To this union four children were born: Bob, Cindy, Teri, and Tammy.
Jack and Norma's early years were spent living in Butte, NE and Winner, SD. In 1970 they moved to Burke, SD and operated Fernau's Market grocery store for eight years. She also worked at the Gregory County Assessor's office and then retired to work with Jack on the ranch. Norma's life revolved around her husband, kids, and grandkids. She also loved camping and sitting along the Missouri River and taking trips with her daughters.
Norma was a sweet, caring, and giving person with a heart of gold. We were all blessed to have her in our life and she will be missed greatly.
Norma is survived by her loving husband, John "Jack" Fernau of Burke, South Dakota; her children: Bob (Karla) Fernau of Rapid City, SD, Cindy (Charlie) Wolf of Burke, SD, Teri (Roger) Rave of Crooks, SD, and Tammy (Greg) Lingen of Luverne, MN. Grandchildren include John (Nicole), Jeff (Kimberly), Heidi (Andrew), Melanie, J.J.(Rose) ,Christina, Josh, Jenelle, Levi (Ashley), Dusty (Missy) , Kerry ( Tiffany), Chelsi (Trevor), Jonah (Rachel), Jocilan (Daniel), Jasmine and 21 great grandchildren. Also survived by her brother Jim (Donna) Haney; her sister in law Vesta Haney; her brothers in law Bill Fernau and Daryl Fernau, and sister in law Merna Mae Venker and many nieces and nephews.
Norma was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Florence Haney, her in laws John and Merna Fernau, her brother Lyle Haney, her sister in law, Lee Fernau, grandson Jared Lingen and great granddaughter Mariana Krempges.

Funeral services for Norma Fernau, age 78, of Burke, SD will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke, SD. Burial will be in the Butte Cemetery, Butte, NE. There will be a prayer service on Friday at 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Visitation will be one hour prior to both services at the funeral home.