January 15, 1953 – December 22, 2024
Memorial services for Juan Fernandez, 71, of Eagle Butte were held January 11, 2025, at All Saints Catholic Church in Eagle Butte. Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge was in charge of arrangements.
Juan passed away Sunday, December 22, 2024 in Camp Crook. He was born on January 15, 1953 in Camp Wood, TX to Manuel Florentino Fernandez and Carmen Muñoz Chavez.
Juan had met his soul mate, Shirley Ducheneaux, many years ago and they shared over 40 years of memories together. They resided in Eagle Butte. Juan always had a kind word, loved to laugh and especially enjoyed cooking and feeding everyone his special brisket. Juan got to know many in the community as he delivered his tasty breakfast burritos daily. This had earned him the name Juan “The Burrito Man.”
Juan was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. It did not matter that year after year they let him down. He stayed true and loyal to his team.
Juan enjoyed visiting (whether in person or on the phone) with those he considered sisters and brothers: Marilyn Balderas, LaVern Martin, Mary Rousseau, Susie Rousseau, Danny and Gail Martin, Tiny Martin, Roxee Holloway, Andrea Salas and Ruben Balderas.
Juan is survived by his daughter, Lea (Greg) Arnett of Philip, NE, her daughter, Jasmine Johnson of Central City, NE, and her grandsons Kane, Maddox and Roman; his daughter, Tessa Norgaard-Jensen (Jeffrey Kitchen) of Sioux Falls and her daughter Sydney (Dylan) Kinsley and grandson Kyler of Murdo; his son, DJ Juan Fernandez and children of Texas; sons Richard and Raymond; and son Kyle Ducheneaux of Eagle Butte.
Bonus children (whom he raised as his own) were Nicole L. Ducheneaux of Pierre, Mary F. Ducheneaux of Timber Lake, and Michelle M. Ducheneaux and Carmen R. Ducheneaux of Eagle Butte; 26 grandchildren including Mario Ducheneaux, Tylor Ducheneaux and granddaughter Nevaeh Fernandez of Timber Lake; great-grandson Rymerick “Remy” Anderson of Eagle Butte; many nieces and nephews; and his half-sister, Lupita.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Andrea Salas; brother Manuel Fernandez, sister San Juana Contreras; half-brother Cody V. Jewett; and his soul mate Shirley Ducheneaux.