Service Information
Donald H. Fenske, husband of Marion, age 83, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Buffalo Lake Health Care Center in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota.
Memorial Service will be held Thursday, September 14, 2023, 11:00 A.M., at Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, with interment in the church cemetery.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Obituary
Donald Howard Fenske was born on August 28, 1940, in Bismarck Township, Sibley County, Minnesota. He was the son of Howard and Hilda (Gaulke) Fenske. Donald was baptized as an infant on September 15, 1940, at St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Fernando, Minnesota, and was later confirmed in his faith as a youth on June 6, 1954, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart, Minnesota. He received his education in Stewart, and was a graduate of the Stewart High School Class of 1958.
On September 10, 1961, Donald was united in marriage to Marion Rath at Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo Lake, Minnesota. This marriage was blessed with three children, Brian, Bruce and Rachel. Donald and Marion resided in Collins Township, rural Stewart, Minnesota. In 1988, Donald and Marion moved into Buffalo Lake, where they made their home before moving to Hutchinson, Minnesota, in 2018. They shared 61 years of marriage.
Donald farmed in Collins Township, raising cows, hogs, mink, and crops. Donald began working for the Farmers Coop Elevator Stewart Division, operating the soy bean roaster in 1996 before retiring in 2002.
Donald was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Stewart, Zion Lutheran Church in Buffalo Lake, and most recently, Peace Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.
Donald enjoyed the outdoors; camping, fishing, and traveling. He also enjoyed reading and visiting with his family and friends. Donald’s greatest joy was his grandkids and great grandkids.
Donald passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Buffalo Lake Health Care Center, at the age of 83 years.
Blessed be his memory.
Donald is survived by his:
Wife, Marion Fenske of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Brian Fenske of Brownton, MN,
Bruce Fenske and his wife, Traci of Hutchinson, MN,
Rachel Selchow and her husband, Douglas of Menomonie, WI;
Grandchildren, Kelsa (Ed) Plowman, Blake (Rachael) Fenske, Jordan Selchow, Morgan Selchow;
Great Grandchildren, Ethan Collett-Fenske, Everly Plowman, Kalla Plowman, Harper Fenske;
Sister, Deanna Mantuefel and her husband, Paul of Hutchinson, MN;
Many other relatives and friends.
Donald is preceded in death by his Parents, Howard and Hilda Fenske; Parents-in-law, Paul and Emma Rath; Sister-in-law, Carolyn Fredrickson and her husband, Ray; Brother-in-law, Donald Rath and his wife, Renate.
Donna Berger says
Marion , I am so sorry for your loss. Regardless how much we wished our loved to be with his Lord and Savior the loss is always there. Your friend and neighbor.
Sandra Bjerkelund says
So sorry, Marion and family. “When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”
Love from Bruce and Sandy!
Janet Smith says
Sorry for your loss. Prays for you and your family
Donna Hinnenkamp says
My sympathy to the entire Fenske family.
Judy Schumann says
Marion, you have our deepest sympathy on your loss. Donnie was a very special man I loved how her always thought of Sam and always had something nice to say. Dale and Judy
carolyn engebretson says
My sympathy to you, Marion. I always enjoyed talking with you. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
Donald’s cousin,
carolyn
Tracy Jorgensen says
Marion and family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you.
We know words can’t take away the hurt you’re feeling, but we want you to know how much we care.
Sending you love and strength in this time of loss.
Arnie and Tracy Jorgensen
Shelly Schueller and Paul Huggett says
Sending our love and hugs to Bruce and his family on the loss of his father. Losing a parent is very hard and you have our deepest sympathy.
Carol Olson says
My sincere sympathy, Marion!
Jill Showalter says
My heart goes out to all of you. I so enjoyed seeing him come in to my workplace when he was able to be out and about. Prayers to all of you.
Lyn and Rich Leske says
Marion and family. Sending our deepest sympathies.
Becky (Ahlbrecht) Dillingham says
I am so sorry to hear of Donald’s passing. I remember many wonderful days after school or weekend slumber parties with Rachel (Fenske) Selchow where Donald and Marion made me feel like family. My heart goes out to you all – may you find peace and comfort in each other’s arms and know that you will see him again.
Leroy and Darlene Karg says
Sending sincere sympathy to the Fenske family. Leroy and Don enjoyed talking farming. Prayers are with you during this sad time
Leroy and Darlene Karg