Orville Fenske

Orville W. Fenske, passed away on May 12, 2025, at St. Catherine's Living Center, at the remarkable age of 100. Orville lived a full and vibrant life filled with love, laughter, and countless memories. His Funeral Service will be held Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2 PM at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wahpeton, ND. Visitation will start at 12 PM until the time of the service. Burial will take place that same day at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Great Bend, ND.

Orville was born on February 25, 1925, at home in Brandenburg Township (rural Great Bend), the son of Erich and Verna (Rhoda) Fenske. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Great Bend. Orville graduated from Wahpeton (ND) High School in 1947. After working two years on a dairy farm near Hankinson, ND he joined the United States Navy. Orville served two years as a Navy Yeoman Petty Officer in Pensacola, FL. Orville attended North Dakota State College of Science, before transferring to Valparasio University, Valparasio, IN, graduating in 1952 with a BS in Business and Economics. Orville used his degree when he went to work for Equitable Life Assurance Society where he worked as a manager for 34 years in Fargo, ND, Minneapolis, MN, Saginaw, MI, and Des Moines, IA.

Orville married Mae Kinn in 1953, their union brought forth a son, Bruce. He then married Marge Dengler in 1987. In 1988 Orville and Marge moved to Wahpeton where they enjoyed golfing, camping, playing cards, fishing, and traveling. During his lifetime Orville sang in many choirs and enjoyed gardening. Orville took great pride in helping his son Bruce on the farm. Orville's interest expanded to be a land and grain elevator owner and formed M & O Grain Company, Hankinson, where he was president and treasurer. Orville was deeply involved in American Legion Post 20 Honor Guard, the Richland/Wilkin County Food Pantry, Golden Kiwanis, and participated as an officer in Little League in Minneapolis, MN.

Orville was known for his captivating stories. He could talk for hours, weaving tales of his life, his adventures, and his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren alike cherished the time spent listening to him share stories. Orville also enjoyed fishing and hunting with family and friends.

Orville is survived by his son, Bruce (Sandy) Fenske, grandchildren Tim (Ann) Fenske, Ryan (Jody) Fenske, and granddaughter-in-law Sonja Fenske; great-grandchildren Garret Fenske, Jacob and Austin Fenske, Macie Fenske, Mateland and Michael Wagner, and Klara and Karter Oswalt; sister Irene Olson, brother Lawerence Fenske; and many nieces and nephews.

Orville was preceded in death by his parents, Erich and Verna, his wives Mae Fenske and Marge Fenske, grandson Michael Fenske; brothers Harold (Laurel), Melvin (Lorraine) and Marvin (Elaine); brother-in-law Alden Olson; and close family friend Pat Welch.

A special thank you to the staff at St. Catherine's Living Center and his neighbors for the loving and compassionate care they gave Orville.

In Lieu of flowers, the family will distribute all monetary gifts received to the Immanuel Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Cemetary and Wahpeton America Legion and Honor Guard.