NORMAN FENSKE

1916 - 1999

Norman George Fenske, our “gentle giant” of Barnwell, beloved husband of Marie Fenske, passed away Monday, March 29, 1999 at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital.
Besides his loving wife Marie, of fifty seven years, he is survived by six children and their families, LaVern (Jack) Appleton of Lethbridge, LaVaun Story of Price, Utah, Gary (Ruthann) Fenske of Camarillo, California, Dennis (Rea) Fenske of Barnwell, Harvey (Annie) Fenske of Bow Island and Laura (Barry) Webster of Mountain View. Norman was Grandpa to twenty five grandkids and great grandpa to ten. Also mourning his passing are his brother Walter (Maisie) of Fort Macleod; his in-laws Florence Tufts of Taber, Zella and Clark Nielsen of Provo, Utah, June Peterson of Provo, Utah, Vera and Albert Rowley of Coaldale, Helen Cotton of Taber and Mabel Peterson of Taber.
Norman was predeceased by his parents Otto and Anna Fenske, brother Arthur, infant son Bruce, son-in-law Gerald Story, grandson Michael Fenske and also by numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.
Norman was born in Medicine Hat on August 20, 1916. He was the youngest son and was raised on a farm in the Manyberries district. Some of his earliest memories include riding the forty mile trip to Medicine Hat with his dad in a horse and buggy. When he was seventeen he took a mechanics course in Winnipeg.
In July of 1935 he stopped for gas in Barnwell and was referred to a local farmer, Lyman Bullock who hired him. When Lyman died, leaving a young family and widow, Norman stayed on. He was the only big brother the Bullock children knew and they loved him dearly. While working on the farm, he met our favorite redhead, Marie Peterson. They were married December 20, 1941 in Barnwell. They rented land from Nora Bullock and eventually bought land where he ran a mixed farming operation. For several years Norman raised sheep then went into cattle. He was a very conscientious and industrious man. Even after “retiring” he continued to put many long hours as Dennis’ main farm hand and continued to work the land right up to freeze up last fall.
When Norman was forty seven, he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and continued to serve in various capacities. Visiting the Temple was a joy for him.
Norman enjoyed rodeos and participated in saddlebronc in the country rodeos. He enjoyed the Calgary Stampede, Lethbridge Whoop Up Days and many Taber rodeos. When he could get away from the farm long enough he liked to fish and camp. Norman and Marie enjoyed travelling to California, Hawaii and Mexico. In January of 1979 they began their annual “Snowbird” trips to Mesa, Arizona where they’ve made lasting friendships. They just ended their 20th winter there a little over two weeks ago.
Norman and Marie have enjoyed playing cards and their card group will miss him. His legacy can be summed up in these phrases; “Give back to community and church SERVICE as often as possible”, “If you’re going someplace, better to be ten minutes early than ten minutes late”, “A man’s word is a good as his bond”, “An honest day’s work for a day’s pay”, “If a job is once begun, never leave it til it’s done”. He loved and enjoyed his association with his family, their welfare and happiness was always uppermost in his mind.
The Funeral Service was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Barnwell on Friday, April 2 at 2:00 P.M. with Bishop Robin Hansen officiating. Interment followed at the Barnwell Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Norman’s name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 - 10 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2M7.