Obit: Fenton, Donald N. (1942 – 2005)

Poster: Crystal Wendt

Surnames: Fenton, Henrich, Gaines, Losik, Schaeffer, Hornbaker, Ostling, Dues, Romska, Litzer

---Source: Houghton Lake Resorter (Houghton Lake, Mi) April 20, 2005

---Fenton, Donald N. (27 Nov. 1942 – 17 April 2005)

Donald N. Fenton

Donald N. Fenton, 62, Roscommon, died April 17, 2005, at Mercy Hospital, Grayling.

Kathy Murphy will officiate a service Thursday, April 21, at Walsh Funeral Home, Roscommon. Burial will be in Roscommon Village Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to a charity of choice.

Mr. Fenton was born Nov. 27, 1942, in Merrill, WI, to Donald and Ruth (Henrich) Fenton. Before moving to Roscommon in 1966, he lived in Wisconsin. He and Patricia A. Gaines were united in marriage Nov. 10, 1977, in Roscommon. He worked as an instructor of natural resources and chemistry for 30 years at Kirtland Community College and three years at Gerrish-Higgins schools, retiring in 2000.

Mr. Fenton graduated in 1960 from Wausau High School in Wausau, WI. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and also earned a master’s degree from Central Michigan University.

He was a published author of the book, “Two Kids–Two Creeks–One Uncle.” An avid outdoorsman, his concern with natural resources led to his active involvement with duck banding. He was an avid golfer, a little league coach for many years and was a sports fan, especially the Red Wings, Tigers and Lions. He was also an accomplished artisan and crafter, known for his log boxes and famous Fenton fishing nets.

Surviving Mr. Fenton are his wife, Pat; mother, Ruth Fenton of Wausau, WI; son, Dr. Todd and his wife Amy Fenton of East Lansing; daughter, Kim and her husband Andy Losik of Fennville; step-daughters, Cherie and her husband John Schaeffer of Roscommon and Rhonda Hornbaker of Lake City; grandchildren, Kasey Losik, Janae and her husband Blake Ostling, Derek Schaeffer, Ron Hornbaker, Ken Dues, Jim Dues, Jordan Dues and Stacey Romska; great-granddaughters, Alyssa Ostling, Alayna Ostling and Casa Dues; sister, Donna and her husband Tom Litzer of Wausau, WI; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.