Elmer Fernen, 93, of Sturgis, SD, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2009.

Visitation will be from noon until 9:00 pm on Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at Kinkade Funeral Chapel.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, May 13, 2009, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel at 10:00 am with Pastor Moe Greiner officiating. Interment and graveside rites will held at Valentine, NE on Thursday, May 14, 2009, at 11:00 am.

Elmer was born January 23, 1916, at Lynch, NE, to Francis and Bridgette (Sommerfeld) Fernen. He moved to Dallas, SD, with his family when he was 8 years old. When he started working he worked for 50 cents a day. He worked with cattle, haying and as a field hand. In 1936, he moved to a farm south of Mission, SD, near Crookston, NE. He married Margaret Mayfield on Nov. 30, 1936. To this union three children were born, Larry, Ilene and Jim. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, cards and all kind of sports. In 1956 or 1957, he started work at Rosebud, SD, as a meat cutter. He worked there for 20 years. Through the years he enjoyed playing the mouth harp, harmonica, and guitar. He also had a good singing voice. In 1977, he and Margaret moved to Sturgis.

He leaves to mourn his passing his three children; Larry (MaryAnn) Fernen, Sturgis, Ilene Shelbourn, Valentine, NE, Jim (Iva) Fernen, Rapid City, SD; eleven grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren and numerous great-great grandchildren

Elmer is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Margaret; one brother, Arnold; sisters Sylvia, Mildred, Irma, and Alma (Dolly); one grandson Patrick Fernen; and son-in-law George Shelbourn.

A memorial has been established to the Hospice of Northern Hills.