Private Military Graveside Services for Larry D. Fernau, age 86, of O'Neill, NE will be held at the O'Neill Cemetery. Pastor Brian Loy will officiate and Military Honors will be conducted by the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post #93. Larry passed away peacefully Friday, April 24, 2020 at his home surrounded by his children. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Biglin's Mortuary of O'Neill is in charge of arrangements.

Larry was born December 16, 1933 on the family farm near Spencer, NE, and was a graduate of Spencer High School. He married Joan K. (Godel) Fernau in 1956, and they raised four children: Lorrie, Cheryl, Brian and Michael. Larry was drafted into the Army early in their marriage, and after serving briefly, he and Joan moved to the Fernau family farm.

In 1961 they relocated to O'Neill, Nebraska, and Larry took a job with Foree's Tire Service, where he was a salesman until his retirement. Larry was very involved with his children's sports and music activities: he coached Cheryl's high school softball team, both Brian's and Mike's little league teams, and attended Lorrie's music activities throughout their school years. Larry was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating and camping with his family and friends. He enjoyed playing cards with a local group, and made an "occasional" trip to the casino in South Dakota. He was very proud of all his grandchildren and loved the opportunity to see them participating in activities.

Larry is survived by daughters Lorrie (Anthony) Quadro of Pennsylvania, Cheryl (Steve) Dempster of Royal, and sons Brian (Marita) of Blair, NE and Michael (Mary Lynn) of Houston, TX. He was blessed with 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. His surviving siblings are Dickie Fernau of Norfolk, NE, Marilyn Galbraith of California, and Jerry Fernau of York, NE. He will be remembered by his many remaining relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joan K. (Godel) Fernau in 2002, his parents, Dick (E.L.) and Iva (Luber) Fernau, siblings Donald Fernau, Charles Fernau, Vivian Kinzie and Helen Harding.