I was born November 4 ^th , 1945 in Lynch, Ne. to William and Monica (Salmen) Fernau.

I met Juanita (Tomi) Wright in Norfolk, Ne. and later moved to Bonesteel, SD.  Tomi and I were married and combined our family with our children Duane and Shawn Fernau and Bryan Wright, also born to this union were Lonnie, Bill and Tiffany.  We had the pleasure to add Rocky Straw to our family and raise our granddaughter, Rachelle Wright for a number of years.

I spent the majority of my life working on The Mulehead Ranch for Curley and Rose Haisch and later in life for The Cenex in Fairfax right up until a month before my death.

The greatest treasures in my life were my loving wife Tomi, my children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

I am survived by my 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 my brothers and sisters.

I was preceded in death by my parents, my loving wife Tomi, a daughter-in-law, 2 grandchildren, a great-grandson and a sister.

Tom was a hardworking man who loved Jesus, his family & friends and will be greatly missed by many.

Memorial services for Thomas Fernau, age 77, of Bonesteel, SD will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. at the Bonesteel City Hall in Bonesteel.  Burial will be in the Rosebud Cemetery in Bonesteel at a later date.  There will be a visitation one hour prior to the services at the City Hall on Monday.