Details

Collection Summary
Collection: FND001 - SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Series: Tribute
Folder: DIG
Item: 271756
Title: Chad L. Fernholz
Date: 6/22/1976-8/20/2025
Creator:
Inscription/Marks: 6/22/1976
Summary: Chad Fernholz of Williston, ND, passed away on August 20, 2025. His funeral service was held August 27, 2025, at First Lutheran Church in Williston. Chad Leo was born on June 22, 1976, in Huron, SD, to Larry Fernholz and Niece Koss. He was the second oldest of four boys, Kelly, Brad, and Danny. He was probably the biggest trouble maker. Chad grew up on the farm in Wessington, SD, helping out and causing mischief. There was a farming accident that he recovered from, losing half his thumb. He had the best thumb trick to show his nieces and nephews. Chad graduated from Wessington, went to college, and worked with his Uncle Tom at Schilz Manufacturing. He then worked in jewelry at Zales, Roger's, and Greenbergs. On September 3, 2005, Chad married Jenny in Fargo, ND. He got his bonus daughter, Delanie. Josie Leo was born in February 2006. They lived in Harrisburg, SD, and then in 2011 Chad and Jenny moved to Buford, ND. In Williston, Chad worked at Concord, TSC, Northern Valley Electric, and Dakota Supply Group. At each of his jobs, he made great friends and played many practical jokes. Chad loved fireworks and would buy as many as he could and would shoot them for days with his nephews. He taught them how to light them with "secrets." October was his favorite month and he would watch scary movies every night. Chad's greatest joy was his family and friends. He loved his daughters and wife and would never tell them no. Whether it was puppies, cats, chickens, or Amazon, he always said yes. Whenever he could, he would get his nephews and nieces to hang out with him. Whether it was to play video games when they were grounded, corn hole for hours, road hunting for pheasants, or playing golf that needed a helmet, he loved them all. Chad had the patience of a saint and loved playing games. He lived for fun. When he went home, many hours were spent with his dad, Larry, and nephew, Steven. He loved playing pinochle for hours, driving around the county lines, and laughing over stories of old. Delanie and Josie were the highlight of his life! He loved Delanie and helped her move every year, in rain, sleet, and snow. She knew she could count on him to always be there. She gave him the gift of Jade and he loved being her papa. Josie, was his buddy for adventure. Many Sundays, he would teach her to drive by going to Smokeys in Bainville, MT. They'd get mini tacos and drummies at the gas station. They spent a lot of time gopher hunting, fishing, and playing Call of Duty. He was so proud of her. Chad was Jenny's best friend and soul mate. Before they were ever married, they counted on each other. One of the things they enjoyed was their weekly date nights and the casino. He was her greatest love and no one could replace him. He is survived by Jenny; his daughters, Delanie (granddaughter Jade), and Josie; mom, niece; stepmom, Cindy; brother, Kelly (Shawn); father-in-law, Jerry (Susan), Sara (Jeffrey), James (Audie), Siera (Zeck), Jessa (Tanner), Seth (Destiny), Kim; and his many nephews and nieces. Chad was preceded in death by his dad, Larry; brothers, Brad and Danny.
Red ID: FND_I_79251 Image ID: 536715 Image Notes: FND001 271756

Collection: FND001 Digitized Images from Collection
Title: SHSND Foundation - North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program
Date: -

Summary: The North Dakota Heritage Family Memorial Program is sponsored by the North Dakota Funeral Directors Association. The life stories of deceased North Dakotans are featured in an archvied collection. Current partners in the project are Eastgate Funeral & Cremation Services, Bismarck Evans Funeral Homes, Carrington and New Rockford Everson-Coughlin Funeral Home, Williston Fulkerson Funeral Home, Tioga Fulkerson Funeral Home, Watford City Fulkerson Stevenson Funeral Home, Williston Nero Funeral Home, Bottineau Parkway Funeral Service, Bismarck Springan Stevenson Funeral Home, Stanley Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson These funeral homes provide recent obituaries to the Foundation, where staff and volunteers format, edit and archive each memorial. The memorials are posted, and copies are sent to the family for their input and approval. The listing currently features more than 13,000 memorials, and is constantly updated as new memorials and histories are received.

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