Harry Martin Fernau

Harry M. Fernau

Harry M. Fernau, former mayor and lifelong resident of Lusk, died at the family home last Thursday morning. A prominent citizen of Lusk, Mr. Fernau joined the volunteer fire department at the age of 17, and served as fire chief for 28 years.

Until his retirement in 1975 Mr. Fernau operated a plumbing and heating business. When a young man he became associated with his father in the business, and carried on the family trade after the death of his father.

Funeral service was held in the Peet Chapel Monday afternoon with the Rev. Fred Bolinger and IOFF Oddfellows lodge officiating. Presiding for the Oddfellows was Lawrence Kaan, past grand master of Wyoming and a representative to the National Grand Lodge of the Order.

Mrs. Edna DeCastro, organist, accompanied Tim Johnson who sang "Crossing the Bar" and "In the Garden."

Interment was in the Lusk Cemetery where Harmony Lodge No. 24 performed a graveside service. Officiating was C. E. Marvin, past master of the lodge.

Honorary pallbearers were Harry Lyon, Joe Jones, C. E. Marvin, L. T. Bonner, Walter Schnorenberg, Emerson Bonner, Charles Vaughan, Ed Foley, Ted Lohr, Henry Meyers and Bernie Condelario. Casketbearers were Gene Perry, Dale Fullerton, Ramon Jenkins, Jennings Ruffing, Maynard Clark and Herb Klindt.

Harry Martin Fernau was born Nov. 8, 1904, the son of John Joseph and Christina Anna Fernau. He was one of 14 children. He attended the Lusk Public schools. Nov. 12, 1925, he and Pauline Porter were married. They were the parents of four children. They celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in Lusk this past November.

During his lifetime his interests were many and varied, including, hunting, fishing, and "being a devoted father," his family noted. Mr. Fernau filled the unexpired term of Mayor H. W. Baldwin, then was elected to two consecutive terms retiring in 1972. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Lusk, Odd Fellows Lodge, Masonic Order, Harmony Lodge #24, and was a 32nd degree Mason, being a member of Consistory and Shrine Club of Rawlins.

He is survived by his widow Pauline of the family home; sons, Harry John of Lusk and Richard, Lovell; a daughter Louise Niles, Cheyenne; 11 grandchildren, one great-grandson; three brothers, Dale, Crawford, Walter, Lusk, Robert, M.D. of Riverton; sisters, Mrs. Elvin Bartlett. Arvada. Colo., and Mrs. Voyne Morgan, Lusk.

He was preceded in death by his parents, eight brothers and sisters and a son Russell.

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