Kenny Jay Fernau

Graveside Services for Kenny Fernau, age 81, of Atkinson will be at Noon on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at the Inman Cemetery with Military rites provided by the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post 93. Visitation will be from 10 to 11:30 am on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill. Kenny passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024 at the Norfolk Veterans' Home. Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation. Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.
Kenny Jay Fernau was born on August 11, 1942, to William and Evelyn (Knapp) Fernau in Wahoo, Nebraska. He grew up in Verdel, Nebraska later moving to Butte. He attended school in Butte, Spencer, and Lynch graduating in 1961. Kenny married Hallie Carsten in Lynch in 1961. To this union five children were born. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 26, 1961. He served as Unit Supply Specialist, an Engineering Supply Specialist, and was an Honor Graduate of the General Supply Specialist U.S. Army Quartermaster School in Fort Lee, Virginia in 1965. He served in Germany and two Tours of Duty in Vietnam. Kenny was recognized as an expert rifleman and received numerous awards including the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, multiple Good Conduct Medals, and Army Service, Overseas Service, NCO Professional Development Ribbons. He was Honorably Discharged on September 30, 1981.
Upon his return to Inman, he worked for Foree Tire. Kenny married Nancy Johnson (Kopejtka) on June 4, 1984, in Yankton, S.D. He then worked for Gillette Dairy and shortly after moved to Atkinson, NE where he farmed for Andy Gobel Jr. This time was spent in the hay and corn fields as well as working on the Ostrich Farm on the west side of Atkinson. After moving into town, Kenny worked for Atkinson Township and Warren Funk before retiring in 2019. Kenny moved to the Norfolk Veterans Home in 2020.
Kenny was a member of the O'Neill Eagles Club, O'Neill American Legion, and the O'Neill and Atkinson Methodist Church. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, and gardening. He had a passion for reading and kept everyone laughing with his quick wit and humorous jokes. He enjoyed playing cards, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.
Kenny is survived by his children, Kim (Percy) Boudreaux of Beaumont, TX, Howard (Tammy) Fernau of Norfolk, William (Kailey) Fernau of Stanton, Angela (Jim) Pfeiffer of Lincoln, Tara Johnson-Jameson of Holdrege, Nicole (Kyle) Campbell of Inman; 19 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren; brothers Kerry Fernau of Ainsworth, Kane (Deb) Fernau of Nashville; sister Karen (Sam) Knepper of Butte; many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Nancy, two infant children Kenny J. Fernau Jr., Annabethlynn Fernau; sister-in-law Karen K. Fernau; granddaughter Kara Brianne Fernau.