Funeral service will take place at 2:00 PM on Friday, December 22, 2017 at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in New Ulm, with Pastor Nathan Scharf officiating. Burial will follow in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 12 – 2 pm Friday at the church. Minnesota Valley Funeral Home – North Chapel in New Ulm is assisting the family.

Elmer is survived by his two daughters, Kathryn (Greg) Mielke of New Ulm, MN and Heidi (Ryan) Engelhardt of Wauwatosa, WI; granddaughter, Ellidi Mielke; brother-in-law, Ted (Mary Beth) Ranheim; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wonderful wife Karen, who also passed on the 13th of December two years earlier; his parents; twin sister, Elmira in infancy; sisters, Mildred Pherson, Clara Hall, Irene Miller, and Lillian Strate; brothers, Herbert and Carl; brothers-in-law, Carl Pherson, Vern Hall, Ralph Miller, Willus “Bibs” Strate, and Rev. Steven Ranheim; sisters-in-law, Erna Fenske and Janet Ranheim; and beloved nephew, LeRoy Hall.

Elmer Donald Fenske was born on October 5, 1932 to Charles and Wilhelmina (Lueck) Fenske in Linden Township where he spent his youth and lived on the family farm. He graduated from New Ulm High School in 1950. He married Karen Ranheim on March 26, 1966 at Como Park Lutheran Church in St. Paul. They made their home in New Ulm and had two girls, Kathy and Heidi. He enjoyed a long career at Kemske Paper Company from 1950 – 1996.

Elmer loved the outdoors and spent many hours hunting, fishing, finding morel mushrooms, and enjoying nature. He also enjoyed playing cards and being with his family. He was independent, strong, generous and a true gentleman. He persevered through several strokes after his retirement and demonstrated his strength and ability to adapt. Blessed be his memory.

www.mvfh.org

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