Ward Fennell

Ward Thomas Fennell
November 28, 1926 • December 20, 2015
 
Ward Thomas Fennell, 89, currently of New Ulm, Minnesota, formerly of Benson, passed away at his residence  December 20, 2015.  Visitation will be held Thursday, May 26, 2016 from 5-7 p.m. at Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson.  Visitation will continue at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church  Friday, May 27, 2016 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m.  Burial is planned for the St. Francis Xavier cemetery at a later date.  
Ward is survived by his wife of 68 years, JoAnn, with whom he shared his life and his love.  Also surviving are Ward's children: Patricia (Patrick) Meger, Maricopa, AZ; Maridee Eide, Sioux Falls, SD; James Fennell, St. Paul; Charles (Pam) Fennell, Marshall; Tony (Judy) Fennell, Fargo, ND; Helen Mansur, Berwick, ME; Elizabeth (Doug) Johnson, Berwick, ME; Thomas (Beth) Fennell, Sauk Rapids; Celeste (Randy) Nelson, Sanford, NC; and Maria (Duane) Schlieman, New Ulm.  Ward is also survived by his 17 grandchildren: Jonathan Fennell; Chad (Teri) Fennell, Nicholas (Amber) Fennell, Kelly (Derek) Dahl; Amanda (Blaine) Lokhorst, MacKenzie (Ashley Jones) Fennell, Alexandra (Dan) Aberle; Miles (Jamie) Johnson, Lucas Johnson; Mitchell (Casey) Fennell, Alicia (Eric) Wilaby, Shane Fennell; Sam Nelson, Jade (Cal) Aplin; Sarah Schlieman, Molly Schlieman, and Matthew Schlieman.  Also surviving are 10 great-grandchildren: Chloe Fennell, Piper Fennell, Allison Fennell, Isaac Fennell, Brylee Dahl, Brielle Dahl, Addison Lokhorst, Hollis Lokhorst, Aiden Johnson, and Porter Wilaby.  Ward is also survived by a brother, Lowell Fennell, Eden Prairie; a sister, Marlys (Mel) Klyve of Benson; and many nieces and nephews.
Ward was preceded in death by his parents; sister Muriel Rosetter and husband Lyle; sister Mary Ryan and husband Robert; sister-in-law Mary Ellen Fennell; and son-in-law Vern Eide.
Ward was born to Thomas and Lillian (Longman) Fennell, November 28, 1926 in Benson.  He was united in marriage to JoAnn Gilronan  August 30, 1947 at St. Bridget's Catholic Church in DeGraff.
Ward spent the majority of his adult life in roles serving others.  His passion and commitment to the Benson Ambulance Service as the owner and later serving as the director after the ambulance service was purchased by the Swift County - Benson Hospital will always be remembered.  Ward appreciated the opportunity to serve his community and was recognized as the first recipient of the Minnesota Ambulance Association's Lifetime Service Award.  Ward was active on the ambulance service from 1967 through his retirement from the service in 1991.
Ward enjoyed traveling and golf throughout his life until health limited his activities.  He enjoyed time with his family and friends.  He will be sadly missed by all.
Arrangements are with the Zniewski Funeral Home in Benson.
Please sign the guest book at www.zniewskifuneralhome.com