Donald Ray Fernau, age 93, of Ainsworth, passed away on January 23, 2023 at the Sandhills Care Center in Ainsworth. He was born April 3, 1929 in Ainsworth to Arthur “Butch” and Bernice (Henning) Fernau. Don attended school in Ainsworth and graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1946. He grew up on the family farm north of Ainsworth where he developed a strong work ethic that he carried with him in life. In September of 1950, Don joined the United States Army where he served his country honorably overseas until May of 1953. On June 5, 1951, Don married the love of his life Betty J. Greenough. To this union, a son, Ronald Ray was born on February 8, 1955.
In December of 1955, Don began a 30-year career with the Bureau of Reclamation, working as a party chief, and eventually as a survey supervisory technician. Don worked on many projects throughout Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado, including the Merritt Reservoir and subsequent the Ainsworth Irrigation Canal. Don had immense passion for the outdoors and spent many days hunting with his family as well as countless hours fishing for trout and other species. One of his favorite places to fish was the Long Pine Creek.
Don also loved his family very much and always loved seeing pictures of his great-grandkids and spending time with them. He spent many of his years of retirement mowing and caring for lawns around the town of Ainsworth, something he took pride in.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; and a sister, Carol Jean (Fernau) Ross.
He is survived by his son, Ronald Fernau of Pueblo, CO; a sister, Doris Kay (Fernau) Voss and husband, Jerry of Long Pine; brother-in-law, Jerry Greenough and wife, Shirley of Aurora; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and four greatgreat grandchildren; along with nieces, nephews and other family members.
Memorial Services will be held on May 6, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth. Pastor Russell Thayer will officiate at the service. Military Honors are to be provided by Ainsworth American Legion Post #79. Memorials are suggested to the Ainsworth American Legion Post #97 in Don’s name. Inurnment will be in the Ainsworth Cemetery. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome. com.
