John Joseph Fernau

John J. Fernau Dies at Denver Hospital Monday

Sorrow and grief invaded the home of one of Lusk's oldest families this week, when at 11:45 o'clock Monday night, May 11th, at the Presbyterian hospital in Denver, John Joseph Fernau, passed away at the age of 52 years, 9 months and 24 days.

Mr. Fernau had been ailing for several months with heart affliction and was confined to his home and bed practically all of that time. He has been unable to attend to his business as plumber since early last fall.

Several weeks ago he was taken to Crawford for treatment but he did not remain there long. Upon his return to Lusk, his condition gradually grew worse, until a week ago Monday he was removed to the Denver institution, where his last days were spent in intense suffering. At his bedside at the time of demise were his wife and daughter, Mrs. Robt. Lowry, the latter of Canyon City, Colo.

The remains were prepared for shipment and brought to Lusk Wednesday morning, and placed in charge of the Peet Mortuary, which also directed funeral arrangements.

Funeral services were held at 2:30 o'clock this (Thursday) afternoon from the First Baptist church of Lusk, Rev. B. F. Farrar officiating. A mixed quartet from the Lusk Congregational church, accompanied by Miss Alice Fowler at the piano, rendered several selections at the church service. The remains were taken to the Lusk cemetery where interment was made. The body was borne to its last resting place by A. L. Miller, Russell Bradley, John Cordell, Foster Rogers, Ralph Olinger and Leslie McCarthy.

John Joseph Fernau was born in Ellsworth, Kans., July 17, 1878, and spent most of his youth there. On June 30, 1899, he was united in marriage to Miss Ann Christena Strube, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Strube of Ellsworth.

In February of 1900 the young couple moved to Lusk, and have since made their home here. To this happy union were born fourteen children, ten of whom, with the widow, survive. The children are: George, of Greybull, Mrs. Edith Lowry of Canyon City, Colo.; Harry, Ivin, Dale, Walter and Bobby, and Mrs. Louise Watts, Bonnie and Betty Fernau, all of Lusk. Those children who preceded in death were Henry John, Isabella Jeanetta, Florence Henrietta and Lloyd Frederick. A sister, Mrs. Eugene Geis, of Kansas, also survives.

Mr. Fernau opened a plumbing and heating establishment in this city about twenty-six years ago, which he operated continuously until his health forced him to abandon this endeavor. He also served as city marshall for Lusk for eight years.

Mr. Fernau was one of Lusk's highly respected citizens and a lover of his family and home. The deep esteem in which he was held was evidenced by the large host of friends who paid their last respects at the services, and by the many beautiful floral offerings tendered. The Free Lance joins in extending heartfelt sympathy to those who are bereaved in the passing of Mr. Fernau.

Lusk Free Lance
May 21, 1931
John Joseph Fernau

John Joseph Fernau, son of Henry and Martha Coffman-Fernau, was born at Ellsworth, Kansas, July 17, 1878, and there grew to manhood's estate. His mother died while John was yet a small boy and he was, as he said, educated in the school of hard knocks.

On June 30th, 1899 at St. Joseph, Mo., he was married to Miss Christina Strube. To this union fourteen children were born. Four of them, Henry John, who died in infancy, Isabel Jeanette, who had attained five years, Florence Henrietta, who was sixteen and Lloyd Frederick, who was fourteen, all preceded their father to the home beyond. There remain to comfort their mother: George Henry Fernau of Greybull, Wyo.; Mrs. Edith Christina Lowry, of Canyon City, Colo.; Harry Martin Fernau, Lusk, Wyo., Mrs. Louise Margaret Watts, Lusk; Ivan Woodrow, Dale Edward, Walter Charles, Bonnita Doris, Robert Lawrence and Betty Ione, who are still at home with their mother. Of the other near relatives, there is only one sister, Mrs. Lizzie Geiss, of St. Joseph, Mo.

Mr. and Mrs. Fernau came from Kansas to Niobrara County, landing in Lusk February 16, 1900, where they have since resided. For several years from 1902 to 1910 John Fernau was manager of the city light and power plant and also held the office of city marshall. He has been known throughout the years as a highly respected and trustworthy citizen.

The father of a large family, he nevertheless was a good provider and a kind and indulgent parent. For a number of years he had engaged in the plumbing business and proved himself a conscientious and faithful workman. Acting on the request of the deceased the two older sons, George and Harry will take over the business established by their father.

For several months Mr. Fernau had not been feeling well, and about a week before the end came, he went to the Presbyterian hospital at Denver for medical help, but it was then too late. The end came Monday evening at 11:45 o'clock, May 11, 1931. His earthly pilgrimage had been 52 years, 9 months and 24 days.

Funeral services were held from the First Baptist church Thursday, May 14th, at 2:30 o'clock, Rev. B. F. Farrar, pastor, officiating. A mixed quartet from the Congregational church accompanied by Miss Alice Fowler at the piano, rendered several selections.

Interment was made in the Lusk cemetery, the remains being borne to their last resting place by A. L. Miller, Russell Bradley, John Cordell, Foster Rogers, Ralph Olinger and Leslie McCarthy.

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