Dorothy Fenske

Dorothy Mae Fenske, 88, of Rochester, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 15, 2018 at the River Bend Senior Living. Dorothy was born May 22, 1929 in Hanska, MN to Alfred and Gina (Brudelie) Ahlness. She was a 1947 graduate of Hanska High School. On May 23, 1952, Dorothy married Donald Fenske at Lake Hanska Lutheran Church. She worked several years for Waters Conley. At the age of 39, she went back to school for her nursing degree and worked as a surgical nurse at Rochester Methodist Hospital for the next 24 years. Dorothy was a longtime member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, where she was also very active in the Rachel Circle and choir. Dorothy loved reminiscing about growing up on the farm, spending time at the family cabin, bird watching, dancing, and bowling with her team, The Used Bowling Bags. She was a proud Norwegian who loved spending time with her family. Dorothy was sweet and joyful, and her witty one-liners showed she also had a good sense of humor. She is survived by her loving husband of 66 years, Donald; children, Cindy (Cary) Tenley of Rochester, Tom (Suzy) Fenske of New Ulm, Steve (Shelly Holst) Fenske of St. Charles, Karen (T.Y.) Yess of Mankato; grandchildren, Joseph (Jenny) Tenley, Jenna (Tanner Eveland) Tenley, Ryan (Simone) Fenske, Troy Fenske, Greta Fenske, Amanda Fenske, Jordan Yess and Nick Yess; 4 great-grandchildren; sister, Cathryn Patterson of New Ulm and sister-in-law, Betty Fenske of New Ulm. Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents; 3 brothers; 2 sisters and brother-in-law, Harold Fenske. A memorial celebrating Dorothy's life will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2018 at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1212 12th Ave. NW, Rochester, MN 55901. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. The Rev. Charles Ortloff will be officiating with inurnment at a later date at New Ulm Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Gloria Dei Choral Music Fund or a charity of the donor's choice. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com