Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One for over 100 years.

Shawn Michael Fernald

Rosary with Visitation to follow: Sunday, January 1, 2023, 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M., Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 24116 Marian Avenue, Glenwood, Iowa.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, January 2, 2023, 10:30 A.M., 24116 Marian Avenue, Glenwood, Iowa.

Shawn Michael Fernald, the eldest son of Mary Lou (Mitzel) and Marvyn C. Fernald, was born on March 3, 1965, in Cedar Falls, Iowa.  He passed away peacefully into Jesus’ arms on December 21, 2022, in Omaha, Nebraska, surrounded by his loving family.

At age three, Shawn was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States.  At the time of Shawn’s diagnosis, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school.  Fortunately, people today with cystic fibrosis are now living longer because of advancements in treatment.

Despite having cystic fibrosis, Shawn never complained about nor resented his health limitations.  Instead, he made a conscience decision to live each day with a positive attitude and to follow his doctors’ instructions.  Shawn was very grateful that his family, notwithstanding this diagnosis, ensured he lived an adventurous and happy life.

As a young boy, Shawn and his brother, Sid, enjoyed riding their motorcycles until they ran out of gas; visiting Grandpa and Grandma Mitzel and extended family on the farm in North Dakota; and spending weekends with Aunt Alice and the Ryan cousins.  As Shawn used to say, “the Ryans had the best toys!”

Shawn received his first Holy Communion and was confirmed at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Glenwood.  He graduated from Glenwood High School in 1983 and from Iowa State University in 1988.  While at ISU, Shawn joined Beta Theta Pi fraternity where he made many friends and had the time of his life!  Following college graduation, Shawn returned to Omaha and began working at Mutual of Omaha.  To show you that God has a plan in everyday life, Shawn met his best friends while working at Mutual ~ Kurt and Shary Irlbeck and Tracie Pettijohn.  Your love and friendship meant everything to Shawn.

On September 2, 1995, Shawn married his high school sweetheart, Teresa Kay Boyer, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Glenwood.  Shawn and Teresa made their home in Omaha and always with a beloved rottweiler dog (or sometimes two!)

Among Shawn’s greatest blessings were his niece and nephews ~ Shelby Marie, Shawn Thomas, Stewart Michael, and Austin David.  Uncle Shawn loved you with his whole heart and to the moon and back.

By 2007, Shawn’s lungs were so diseased that he received the greatest gift of all on September 10, 2007!  A double lung transplant!  We thank God that Shawn received this precious gift of life from an Angel that, to this day, remains unknown.

As many know, Shawn endured many health challenges during this past year.  Jesus walked side by side, if not carried Shawn, this month.  On the night before his passing, Shawn said he believed that he was going to have a new adventure and he expected Heaven to be beautiful where he could breathe.  Rest in eternal peace, our love, until we see you again.

Preceding Shawn in passing were his maternal and paternal grandparents, Fred and Rose Mitzel and Marvyn C. and Dorothy Fernald, Sr.; father-in-law, James M. Boyer, Sr.; and his organ donor Angel.  Survivors include his devoted wife Teresa Fernald of Omaha, Nebraska; parents, Marvyn C. and Mary Fernald of Mission, Texas; brother and sister-in-law Sidney and Sheila Fernald of Mission, Texas and their children Shelby Marie Fernald of Portland, Texas, Shawn Thomas and Stewart Michael Fernald of Mission, Texas; mother-in-law, Phyllis Boyer of Silver City, Iowa; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Tony and Laura Gaines and their son Austin David Gaines of Scottsdale, Arizona; brother-in-law James M. Boyer, Jr. of Omaha, Nebraska; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Shawn’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to the caring doctors, nurses, technicians, and care team support staff at Nebraska Medicine who cared for Shawn his entire lifetime since his original diagnosis in 1968.

In memory of Shawn, please consider becoming an eye, organ, or tissue donor and please discuss your decision with your family.  If you already are a donor, we cannot thank you enough since a single organ and tissue donor may save eight lives and enhance over 75 more.  Those who donate eyes, organs, tissue, marrow, and blood truly are sharing gifts that are beyond measure.  God Bless.

Interment: Silver City Cemetery, Silver City, Iowa.

Memorial donations may be directed to Holy Rosary Catholic Church.

33 Condolences

  • Diana Green OTool Posted December 23, 2022 3:19 am

    Rest easy Shawn.

  • Eldon Prax Posted December 23, 2022 10:13 am

    Prayers and Thoughts for the entire family.

  • Amy Stickrod Posted December 23, 2022 3:50 pm

    We are so sorry to hear this. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God grant you comfort and peace at this difficult time.

  • Larry and Terri Winum Posted December 23, 2022 5:11 pm

    So sorry to hear of Shawn’s passing. Thoughts and prayers with the family.

  • Peggy Kruse Posted December 24, 2022 6:59 am

    Very sorry to read about Shawn, condolences to all of his family.

  • Julie Hergert Posted December 24, 2022 11:34 am

    My condolences and prayers to Shawn and Teresa’s families. Such a sadness. Know that you are all in my heart and prayers.

  • Mary Nissen Posted December 25, 2022 7:00 am

    My condolences and prayers to Shawn’s family.

  • Chip Chebuhar Posted December 25, 2022 4:51 pm

    Thoughts and prayers to Teresa and The family. Shawn was a great friend – and I will miss him dearly.

  • Linda Dean Posted December 26, 2022 1:06 am

    My condolences to the Fernando family.

  • Darrell and Bev Lewis Posted December 26, 2022 11:18 am

    We send our condolences to you at this time of loss.

  • MARY DAILY Lange (Crum) Posted December 26, 2022 12:41 pm

    What a blessing to have known Shawn! He was in my first class of six graders and I treasured him always. Please accept my condolences to the entire family from all the Crums – David, Franklin and Katie as well as my own.

  • Scott Hostetter Posted December 26, 2022 5:56 pm

    Sending my deepest thoughts and prayers to Teresa and the Fernald family. So sorry for your loss.

  • Leslie Speck Posted December 26, 2022 9:34 pm

    God blessed Shawn with many days despite his diagnosis. He did not allow it to define him. God bless his family as they celebrate a life well lived!

  • Terry Geiger Posted December 26, 2022 11:51 pm

    So sorry for your loss.Mary and Marv.

  • Sonia Geller Vaisman Posted December 27, 2022 10:13 am

    My Condolences to all Fernauld family for their lost
    My Shawn rest in G-ds hand

  • Letty Posted December 27, 2022 11:46 am

    May Shawn now raise his arms and praising take the deepest most nurishing breaths💕

  • Sharon Hurst Posted December 27, 2022 12:32 pm

    May we all learn from Shawn’s life story that our world is what we make it. illness and death are part of our lives, but not all learn to accept and live life fully like Shawn did. He was truly a person that all could respect and love as he fought his daily battle. May you rest in peace, breathing the fresh air of Heaven and engulfed in the Lord’s loving arms.

  • Laurene Tarvin Posted December 27, 2022 12:57 pm

    I’m sorry to hear about Shawn. Prayers to Theresa, Mary, Marv, and Sid and their families

  • Joseph and Teresa Hemer Posted December 27, 2022 4:27 pm

    We are deeply saddened for your loss and pray for strength and faith.
    We didn’t meet Shawn personally but feel like we know him through his parents Marvin and Mary. He was definitely an example of courage and loved the gift of life. We know he accomplished his mission here. Now from heaven he will take care of his loved ones especially his loving wife..

  • Norberto and Angelica Gonzalez Posted December 27, 2022 7:05 pm

    Our deepest condolences.. Our prayers to all the family. RIP 🙏🏼

  • Ty Reinert Posted December 27, 2022 8:14 pm

    Blessed to have Shawn as a good friend for most of my life, Deepest sympathies to Teresa and the Fernald family. Shawn will be missed by so many people whose lives he touched.

  • Jo Ann Newman Posted December 27, 2022 10:05 pm

    My condolences. You all fought long and hard, together, all for Shawn.

  • Dave Reitz Posted December 28, 2022 1:53 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Shawn, Teresa and their dogs were always the highlight of my day. I pray God gives you peace and comfort.

  • Jami Falk Posted December 28, 2022 2:06 pm

    Teresa, Mary & Marv and family- we have been praying and thinking of Shawn and your entire family! Shawn has been such a strong warrior all his life and now is in the Lord’s comfort and peace, and where he can breathe easy. Our love and prayers are with you all as his life is celebrated and he prepares for his journey to heaven. Love sent to you all, hugs Jami & Jared and boys

  • Dan & Sandy Benscoter Posted December 29, 2022 11:43 am

    Our Hearts and Prayers are with Shawn’s entire Dear Family.

  • Roger and Mary Greiner Posted December 30, 2022 3:34 pm

    Sending love , hugs and many prayers.

  • Mike and Lori Malcom Posted January 1, 2023 11:39 am

    So sorry to hear of Shawn’s passing. Thoughts and prayers for the family.

  • John and Deb Scanlan Posted January 1, 2023 12:31 pm

    Deeply sorry for Shawn’s passing. Our prayers are with you all.

  • Dale and Shirley Howard Posted January 1, 2023 10:28 pm

    Real sorry for your loss

  • Jim Brodigan Posted January 2, 2023 1:46 pm

    Mr and Mrs Fernald, Sid, and Teresa……What a shock it was to see Shawns funeral notice on a window during a recent visit to Glenwood. I always remembered he had CF. Im so sorry he died so young, yet Im happy he lived for so long. I wish I could of attended the vistation and funeral but Im out of town working. Best wishes for you in this very difficult time.

  • Monica and Tim Coder Posted January 4, 2023 3:53 pm

    Sending deep condolences and prayers for your loss of Sean. Our memories go as far back as when Mary brought him to Omaha when he was first diagnosed and she visited at our home while he was being treated. His parents’ loving care was the pathway to a life we’ll lived.

  • Matt Mayberry Posted January 13, 2023 9:31 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear about Shawn’s passing. He was my band buddy. We were always next to each other playing bass clarinets in junior high and high school I’ll always remember him fondly. Deepest condolences to Theresa and the Fernald family.

  • Ann Cook Posted April 11, 2023 9:32 pm

    Mary and Marv, I’m so sorry about Shawn’s passing. I didn’t know him, but Mom told me about his illness and treatment he received as a child. I know your hearts are broken and I’ll pray for peace for your family..

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