Wilfred (Fred) Fenske was born on December 14, 1920 in Ebenezer, SK and attended Langenau School. When Wilfred was 17, the family moved to a farm in the Rockford area. Fred served his country as a Artillery gunner in World War II in the Aleutian Islands and in Holland from 1942-1946. In January of 1947, Fred married his pre-war girlfriend, Lilian Henze and together they farmed in Rockford for 35 years. In 1982, Fred and Lilian sold the farm and retired into the city of Yorkton. Fred enjoyed retirement life and favourite activities included camping, fishing and playing cards with friends. Fred was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion - Yorkton Branch and a member of the Colour Guard Party. Fred's family will remember special celebrations such as their 40th Wedding Anniversary in Hawaii, 50th Wedding Anniversary in Vancouver and his 90th Birthday in Yorkton. They have gathered again for his funeral as a final celebration of Fred's life. Fred passed away on Monday, April 15, 2013 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre in Yorkton, SK. He was 92 years of age. Fred was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Martha Fenske; his sister, Lena Henze and brother, John Fenske. He leaves to cherish his memory, Lilian, his loving wife and soul mate of 66 years; his daughters, Sharon (John) and Geraldine (Ralph); his grandchildren, Jason (Julie), Sharleen and Celina (Alex) and great-grandchildren, Parker and Brody. Fred is also survived by his brothers, Herb (Lil) and Harold (Evelyn) as well as many nieces, nephews and other relatives. A Service of Remembrance was held on Monday, April 22, 2013 from the Chapel of Christie's Funeral Home in Yorkton, SK with Reverend Walter Farquharson officiating. The organist, Shani Apland, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "How Great Thou Art" and "The Lord's My Shepherd" ; "Amazing Grace" was the recessional music. Fred's son-in-law, shared words of tribute and eulogy and granddaughter, Sharleen James, shared a poetic tribute in her Grandfather's memory. Legion Funeral Rites were conducted with John Miller serving as the Padre, the Sergeant-at-Arms was Peter Wyatt and members of the General Alexander Ross, Branch #77 of the Royal Canadian Legion made up the Colour Party. The Cremation Committal followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery, Yorkton, SK with Fred's grandson, Jason Platts serving as the urn bearer. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
