John passed away peacefully July 23, 2022, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born July 20, 1936, to John and Judy (Kalman) Fenn in Elkhorn. John grew up in Delavan with his parents, older sister Donna (Charles, d. 2001) who predeceased him 2017 and younger brother Jim (Cathy) Fenn who resides in Anaheim, California.
He graduated St. Andrews Catholic School, and on his 18th Birthday, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and served at Camp Pendleton until his honorable discharge. John remained a true Marine throughout his life, and he was proud to have served his country.
After he left the Marine Corps John began a 31-year career with the United States Post office where he became a facilities manager and retired in Anaheim in 1991. John also rose to the position of head usher at Anaheim Stadium where he enjoyed a 25-year career making many lifelong friends.
John married Sandra (Kelsey) Fenn in 1959 and together they had Kelly (Mike) Maxsenti, Lisa (Mike) Witt (grandchildren Kellen, Justin, Kevin (Amanda) and Jared), Greg (Lori) Fenn (grandchildren McKenna, Madison, and Montana), Laurie (Dan) Armentrout (grandchildren John and Joe) they remained married for 35 years and friends thereafter.
John married Kathy (Sorensen) Fenn in 1994 and John welcomed her children and grandchildren Lori (Ken) Gallagher (grandchildren Christopher and Conner), Teri (Donn) Peterson (grandchildren Courtney and Caitlin) as his own. “Pop Pop” became a great grandfather this year in January when Archer Daniel Argudin (McKenna Fenn) was born; he was also looking forward to meeting his first great granddaughter Aoife Marie Witt this fall.
Known as “Uncle Bud”, John was a favorite to all his nieces and nephews, Chris and Steve Fenn, Julie Rice, Cindy Kotajarvi, Mary Bennett and Bob Rice along with their spouses and children. John had an extended number of those who cherished him as a surrogate grandfather and uncle from his many years of Christian service at the Sagrada Scholarship Bible Camp in Lincoln, Missouri, where he and Kathy invested many years of devotion demonstrating God’s love to countless inner-city children who attended summer Bible camp, a place and calling that John dearly loved.
Johns’ life revolved around his faith and love for the Lord, and for his boundless love for his family and many, many friends. He rarely missed a grandchild’s event, some weekends attending multiple functions. He was their biggest fan and best supporter, often filling in as a surrogate grandfather to other children as well. John never met a stranger and loved to volunteer and help others. John was the first to roll up his sleeves and pitch in and the last to leave. He was an inspiration and a truly great role model.
Words cannot express how much John will be missed by his loving family and all who knew him. His kindness, and loving demeanor is a lasting legacy, which will continue to live on in his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. We rejoice in knowing that John resides in the full presence and glory of our Lord God.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23
