Earl E Fenner

With very heavy hearts we share that Earl E Fenner was called to Heaven on July 12, 2024. He was born June 11, 1942, to the late Carl and Viola Fenner. Earl attended Menasha High School before becoming a proud member of the US Marines Corp from 1960 to 1966. While a Marine, he enjoyed traveling to Philippines, Okinawa, and multiple bases in the US. 

On November 27, 1965, he married the love of his life, Nancy Wichmann; they enjoyed 58 years of marriage. Earl and Nancy were blessed with three children:  Laurie Fenner, Lonnie (Chris) Fenner, and Pam (Kevin) Ronski who loved him and appreciated the special man he was. 

In 1998, Earl became a grandpa. He was incredibly lucky to be able to spend time with Nancy and his three grandchildren who he loved with all his heart. Jordan (Mikayla) Fenner, Zachary Fenner (Significant other, Brittany) and Madelyn Hanagan. They enjoyed long drives, trips to area parks, swimming in the backyard, Leon’s in Oshkosh, McDonalds, firework stand trips and singing Hooray for Hazel and It’s a Great Day to be Alive. 

For 30 years he worked in manufacturing at Graphic Packaging until his retirement in 2001 when he traveled with Nancy to visit family in Arizona, Grand Canyon, and Black Hill Falls. He also enjoyed going to Canada fishing.  

He purchased land in Pembine with lifelong friend, Dale Jost.  Earl enjoyed deer hunting, campfires, and time with family and friends for many years. He also looked forward to an ice cream treat in Wausaukee on his way home. 

Earl loved going to casinos, especially long weekends in Escanaba where he always stopped to visit his brother Bill and sister-in-law Dianne.  

Earl’s quick, witty one liners and smirk will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know him.   

Earl will be missed by all family members mentioned above in addition to sister, Helen Paltzer, brothers-in-law, Jerry Wilhelme and John Stiner, sister-in-law, Jeanette (Chuck) Elquist, many nieces, nephews and friends. 

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Carl & Viola Fenner, sisters, Carol (John) Franken, Evie Wilhelme, Janet (Tom) Towns and brother-in-law, Jim Paltzer. Also preceding him in death from Nancy’s family are her parents, Gottlieb & Ruth Wichmann, sisters Janice (Dick) Helien, Linda (Larry) Malloy, Barbara (John) Van Veghel, Kathy Stiner and brother, Allen (Dawn) Wichman. A niece, Kris Helien, and nephews also preceded him in death were Jeff and Steve Wilhelme, Tommy Towns, and Jimmy Lindsey.  

A memorial service for Earl will be held on Monday, July 22, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N Richmond St.  A time of visitation will be held on Monday from 4:00 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home.  For a full obituary and to leave online condolences please visit www.valleyfh.com.

Thank you so much to the staff at CopperStone Assisted Living for the love and respect given to Earl throughout his final year.  Also, thank you to Moments Hospice for making sure he was comfortable in his final stage of life. 

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.