Wesley Allen Fenske, age 94 of Estero, Florida, formerly of New London, passed away on Monday June 25, 2018 in Florida.
Wes was born on May 19, 1924 in Manawa, son of the late Albert and Martha (Beckman) Fenske. He graduated from Manawa High School and then went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. He served in the European Theatre with the 101st Airborne Paratroop Division, attaining the rank of Staff Sgt. Wes fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was decorated for his service, including the Bronze Star. He was united in marriage to Bernice Olsen on April 12, 1947 at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Symco, WI. Wes graduated from Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in 1948 and was employed by Kircher Funeral Home for a short time before joining Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London, forming a partnership with Orin Hanson and Dave Rusch. Following Orin’s death in 1967, Wes served as President of the funeral home until his retirement in 1986. He was a member of Emanuel Lutheran Church and served on the school board and also the board of directors for New London Savings & Loan. Wes was a member of the VFW and the American Legion. He was a Rotarian and also very active in Ducks Unlimited, where he was a charter member since 1978. His sponsorship supported his love of hunting.
Wes is survived by his wife, Bernice, and children, Bonnie Bacheller, Neenah; Wesley “Mike” (Linda) Fenske, Apex, NC, and Amy (Eric) Guth, Spokane, WA; grandchildren, Bryan (Cynthia) Bacheller, Tampa, FL; Kyle Guth, Denver, CO; Jack Guth, Spokane, WA; Myles Fenske, Switzerland, and Jason Fenske, Boise, ID and great-grandchildren, Madison and Brienna Bacheller, Tampa, FL.
Funeral Services for Wes will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 21, 2018 at Emanuel Lutheran Church in New London with Rev. William Heiges officiating. Interment will be in the Floral Hill Cemetery. Full military honors will be held.