Andrew "Andy" Fennema, 90, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully at his residence on Wednesday, February 9, 2011. Andy was a wonderful, husband, caring and loving father, grandfather and friend to many others. Born in Salem, WI, on the family farm, November 25, 1920, he was the son of the late Andrew and Sara (Cook) Fennema, Sr. He formerly resided in Madison and Kimberly, WI, before coming to Kenosha in 1951 to make his home. He attended Salem Graded School, Antioch High School, and earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. On May 31, 1947, he married Bea A. Knarr at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison. She passed away February 23, 2010. He was in the United States Navy during World War II, in electronics in the South Pacific. He taught Radio Fundamentals as a civilian at Truax Air Force Base in Madison for two years. Andy began his teaching career at Kimberly High School and later worked at Andrews Lumber Company. In 1967 until retirement, he was a counselor at Tremper High School. In 1969, he added teaching part-time at Gateway Technical College. After retiring he also served temporary counseling duties at Reuther and Bradford High Schools. A member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Andy was elected to Southeastern Educators Hall of Fame, Emeritus Member of Phi Delta Kappa, Past President of Kiwanis Club of Western Kenosha, Life member of Kiwanis International, Past Lt. Governor of WisUp Kiwanis District, Recipient of Kiwanis Hixon Award, Member of KEA, WEA and NEA, he served on the Kenosha Youth Development Service Board, and Member of Kiwanis District Foundation Board. Andy was instrumental in the organization of "Crisis Intervention"; he spent hours with others in the community to organize the help needed. He shared his life with a loving family, surviving are a son, Andrew (Linda) Fennema III of Cinnaminson, NJ; three daughters, Lynn Anderson of Brick, NJ, Jeanne (Mick) Panarale of Pine Grove, CA, and Nancy Fennema of DePere, WI; four grandchildren, Carrie (Rich) Tedesch, Mike Anderson, Andrew and Natalie; three great-grandchildren, Kristi, R.J. and Kayla; three brothers, Harold, Marvin and Raymond; and also a sister, Doris Frame. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 15th, at Trinity Lutheran Church at 10:30 a.m. Interment, with full Military Honors, will follow at Sunset Ridge Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Monday, February 14th, at Proko Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Tuesday from at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Memorials to Trinity Lutheran Church Organ Fund or Tremper High School Music Dept. would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Andy’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Sibylla Fox
October 1, 2011
My heart is a little less full knowing that Andy is no longer with us. My life was permanently changed for the better by his presence at Tremper HS. In times of Home life instability he was a solid rock for me many times. I am sure I was not alone...but to me he was one of those few common people who touch so many of with a positive loving mark. Thanks for intercepting my life....I can honestly say that I would NOT have made it through HS without his support and encouragements. Sibl (Tremper 1980 grad)
Mary Lee (Baumgartner) Stenson
February 19, 2011
I will always appreciate the way Mr. Fennema listened to me when I was a teenager at Tremper H.S. He helped me tremendously and was a caring friend as well as advisor. He had a positive influence on so many people and made the world a better place. - Mary Lee Baumgartner-Stenson (1982 Tremper)
Chris Larrabee
February 17, 2011
Just wanted to leave my condolences with the family of Andy and Bea Fennema. It doesn't surprise me that Andy passed on to be with our Lord almost a year to the date that Bea passed on - they certainly were inseparable. During my years growing up and as a member of Trinity Lutheran Andy always made a point to talk with me and more importantly, listen to me when I spoke. It wasn't until later on that I was able to reflect on the influence Andy had in my faith journey. I appreciate the time that Andy took to write me an occasional letter when I went off to college, and the many Christmas cards and words of encouragement he exchanged with me every year (including this last Christmas). He is a man that certainly left his mark on this earth and he will be missed.
Sam and Cecelia
February 17, 2011
We are sorry to hear about your loss. Andy was not only a friend in Kiwanis, but also was there at Tremper years ago to help all three of our children.
Richard Hartman
February 15, 2011
My condolences to the Fennema Family. You will never know how much of an influence Mr. Fennema had on my life. Rick Hartman
Nancy Lynch Spencer
February 15, 2011
To Nancy and all the Fennema Family...so sorry to hear about your loss. Your Dad and Mom were very special parents that I remember so well! May you find comfort in the fact they are together again. Thoughts and Prayers and much Love from an ole pal from the past.
Tammie Sorenson
February 14, 2011
Andy will be missed at Trinity. He had a special gift of making everyone feel welcome. He is now at peace with Bea, how glorious for him!
Irene Niccolai
February 14, 2011
To Drew and the Fennema Family, Condolences and my heartfelt sympathies to all of you in the passing of your Dad. Keep happy thoughts of the wonderful memories you hold and knowing that your Mom and Dad are together again.Irene Buswell Niccolai
Larry J Martin
February 14, 2011
I am deeply saddened by Mr. Fennema's passing, but rejoice in what has been a wonderful life. I have many happy memories of my years at Tremper and the friendship Mr. Fennema and I developed. As a member of Key Club, I greatly looked forward to attending Kiwanis meetings with Mr. Fennema. He was a shining example of the most noble of professions - a true teacher. Every year since graduating, Mr. Fennema and I exchanged Christmas letters. I have saved every one of them. My deepest sympathies to the Fennema family. Both Andy and Bea are in my thoughts and prayers. Larry MartinTremper High SchoolClass of 1980
Tom Peterson
February 13, 2011
I was very saddened when I saw Saturday's paper. I was only their neighbor for a few years but both of your parents were very special people and will be missed not only by myself but many more. Please accept my condolences and smpathy of your great personal loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.Tom Peterson
terry creekmore and family
February 13, 2011
mr fennema .was there to pick me up when i had lost my sister debbie creekmore .he found the time to send cards of encouragement when i went through a rough patch in my life .through his kindness and compassion he he truly helped make this world a better place .i can truly say i am the the person i am today because of him and his kindness .
Melissa Stephens-Owens
February 13, 2011
I was Mr. Fennema's aide in 1985&1986. He was the nicest man I've ever met.High School can be the hardest place to find your true self and he helped alot of people get through it and strive. I'd like to hope that the way I deal with people on a day to day basis I learned from him. He will always be in my heart and my prayers go out to the family. He was a great man..
Sarah Servais (Onserud)
February 12, 2011
Andy will be very missed my many people. He has touched so many of us throughout his life by being there, being honest, always trustworthy and a very good listener. Personally, he has impacted my life, as he was my High School Counselor 1976 thru 1978 and his advice and guidance touched me in such a way that I will always remember the kindness he shared. When working at Tremper, he would come visit me and would always lift my spirits. Andy was that kind of man, spreading joy and happiness to others. Thank you Andy for all you have done for me and for all the people that came to know you. My condolences go out to the family and I know he is in Heaven with Our Lord!
KENNETH ROSENBERG
February 12, 2011
ANDY, THANK YOU FOR NOT ONLY BEING A GREAT COUNSELOR, BUT A TRUE FRIEND AND ANGEL, YOU WE'RE ALWAYS THERE FOR ME WHEN I NEEDED SOMEONE TO TALK TO!!! THE LORD HAS TAKEN ONE OF THE TRUE ANGELS TO HEAVEN, I WILL MISS YOU AND LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU AGAIN SOMEDAY WHEN OUR HEAVRNLY FATHER TAKES ME. ALL MY LOVE HONOR AND RESPECT YOUR FRIEND KENNETH B ROSENBERG
Kamela Gleason
February 12, 2011
Mr. Fennema was my counselor at Tremper 30 years ago and a very dear friend. He will be missed greatly. I feel truly blessed to have known him.Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. Your family remains in my thoughts and prayers.Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.Sincerely, Kammy Gleason
Susan Scherr
February 11, 2011
We were shocked and saddened to hear of your dad's passing. He was a beloved member of our church, and like your mom, we will miss him terribly. Know our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of sorrow.Our deepest sympathy,Sue and Mike Scherr
Nan (Burby) Erdahl
February 11, 2011
Dear Fennema Family,I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of your father and grandfather. I knew him from Tremper, as he was an adviser with Key Club, and I did go to him for counseling for awhile, since I liked him better than my own counselor! I've exchanged Christmas cards with your parents for 25 years. Andy was very supportive of me, was very encouraging and a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed. You have my deepest sympathies,Nan (Burby) Erdahl