Herbert R. Fenske

Herbert Richard Fenske, age 86 of New Berlin, passed away on February 5, 2025 surrounded by his family at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee after a courageous battle with cancer.

Herb was born on May 3, 1938 in Iola, WI to Emil and Emma Fenske. After graduating in 1956 from Little Wolf HS in Manawa, he started work at Connie's Service Station in Manawa. From there he worked as an auto mechanic at Kriese's Ford, New London Co-op and Freiberger's Garage in New London. In 1968 he started working at OMC/Trade Winds in Manawa as a maintenance mechanic. He continued his career there and worked his way up to being a Mechanical Engineer. After 30 yrs of service with OMC, with the last 6 of those years working at the OMC facility in Andrews, NC, he retired. He then finished his career as the Customer Service Manager at Therma-Tron-X in Sturgeon Bay, WI.

In 1955, Herb met the love of his life, Maxine Starcheske, and married her on June 11, 1960. He was blessed to spend almost 65 years with her and to have 3 children. Throughout their marriage, they enjoyed going up to the cottage on Post Lake, snowmobiling in the winter with the Winter Wolves snowmobile club and traveling. They also spent many hours landscaping their various homes.

Herb is survived by his wife, Maxine; his children: Steve (Deb) Fenske of Waupaca, WI, Sandi Fenske (fiancé Jay Blackwell)of Knoxville, TN and Jason (Samantha) Fenske of New Berlin, WI. He was the blessed "Papa" of 6 grandchildren: Jon (Lisa) Spick, Jennifer (Jake) Quinter, Cole, Zane, Dax and Quinn Fenske; step-grandchildren: Jason (April) Spick and Connie (Dalton) Schroeder, and 6 step-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Harvey Fenske and brother-in-law, John (Mary) Starcheske along with many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: Herman, Martin, Ervin and Edward Fenske; sisters: Irma Handrich, Freida Mirza and Margaret Ross along with their spouses; also his grand-daughter, Meghan Spick.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Manawa WI where he was baptized and confirmed. Visitation will be from 9:00 - 11:15 am with the funeral service to follow at 11:30 am.

Herb will be remembered as a quiet man who loved to build and fix things. He enjoyed gardening and fishing. He loved his family very much and enjoyed spending time with his kids and grandkids. His legacy will live on in those who knew and loved him.