Richard George Fenn
August 03, 1944 - May 03, 2018
Obituary
Richard G. Fenn, “Rick”, age 73, passed away peacefully on May 3rd, 2018, from complications due to a stroke. Rick was born in Oshkosh to Elbert R. and Marilyn Fenn. While pitching for the Badgers, he earned his Education degree from UW Madison and then later earned his MS Degree, from ODU in Norfolk, VA.Rick joined the US Navy in 1967, wanting to learn to fly, and earned his wings in Pensacola FL as a helicopter pilot. He married the love of his life, Susan Apell Fenn, Dec 8, 1970, in Hawaii on his R&R from Vietnam. Rick spent 27 years proudly serving his country before retiring as Capt. in Aug. 1994 from the NROTC Unit at UW Madison. After retirement from the Navy, he was self-employed for 12 years before beginning his happiest job as “Mr Rick” for Middleton-Cross Plains as a school bus driver. He loved his school kids! Every night he would return home to share their funny stories with his wife.Rick found so much joy in teaching his son Timothy how to pitch and coaching his little league baseball teams. His daughter Jennifer was never far behind and loved the camping trips. Rick enjoyed watching baseball, Badgers, Packers and playing golf. He shared in all of his grandchildren’s accomplishments and was their biggest cheerleader in everything they did. Rick is survived by his wife, Susan, of 47 years; son, Timothy (Carrie) of Virginia; brother, Timothy (Shauna) of Texas; and six grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Jennifer; and brother, Stephan. A celebration of Rick’s life will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave, Middleton 3 p.m. on Sat., May 12, 2018. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 1 p.m. until the time of the service at the funeral home. For all their loving care, a special thank you to Jen and the nursing staff on the Neurology floor at St. Mary’s Hospital, the staff of Ingleside Manor in Mt. Horeb, and Heartland Hospice. Memorials may be made in Rick’s name to the Dane County Humane Society, in McFarland, or Madison Cat Project, 627 Post Rd. Madison 53713. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Events
Visitation
Sat May 12, 2018 @ 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Middleton • 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
Celebration of Life
Sat May 12, 2018 @ 3:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Middleton • 7435 University Ave., Middleton, WI 53562
Photos
Memories
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Tim Fenn
Other •
To the BEST dad that any son could ever ask for. Thank you for being my best friend and mentor. My loss is heaven's gain. I love you. Tim
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CDR Paul Sherland, USN (Ret)
Other •
Rick was one of the very best Commanding Officers I served under during my 20 years in the Navy, and he was an example for all of us in HSL-34. Sir, you're missed but you'll never be forgotten by your Greencheckers.
MB
Molly Bernier
Other •
Mr. Rick was a "third grandpa" to my Sophie. He was a blessing in our lives and will never, ever be forgotten. He will forever be Piglet to her Pooh!
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Lt Col Jack "Sully" Sullivan
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Lt Col Jack “Sully” Sullivan, USMC (Ret)
Rick first became a friend during our flight training days in Pensacola, Fla.; but we went our separate ways after pining on our Naval Aviator wings (on the same day - 14 January 1969). Rick distinguished himself as a combat helicopter pilot in Vietnam and had numerous other tours of flight duty both ashore and afloat. However, we didn't meet up again until later in our careers when we were both on staff duty - flying desks - in Norfolk, Va. As it turned out we both lived in the same Virginia Beach neighborhood; and unbeknownst to us, our daughters (both named Jennifer) had become best friends at school. One fateful day my Jenny was playing at her new friend's house and I volunteered to walk over and introduce myself to her friend's parents and bring her home for dinner. When Rick answered my knock on his door, we looked at each other and simultaneously uttered, “Hey don't I know you?” Rick was one of the finest men I have ever known; and I am better off for having had him as a friend.
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Captain Morris Steen, USN (Ret)
Other •
Dear Susie and Tim:
I am so very sad to hear of Rick’s passing. Everyone I know had great respect for Rick as a Naval Officer, pilot, and all around great guy. He had courage, honesty, integrity, and could be counted upon to do the right thing every time. For several years, our careers were intertwined as I relieved him in one job and he relieved me in another. Please accept our heartfelt condolences in your loss.
NN
Nancy Nader
Other •
Dear Susie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Though I never met Rick, I knew how special he was and how much you loved him by how you talked about him.
I hope you find peace in the weeks and months ahead and have a strong support system.
I enjoyed our time together at MOMS and hope our paths will cross again either there or elsewhere.
Love and prayers.
Nancy