Loel Herbert Fenske

The phrase ‘home is where the heart is’ could not be more evident than in the life of Loel Fenske.

Born fourth of four boys to Hulda and Reinhold Fenske, Loel spent the great majority of his life on the original Fenske homestead in Ponoka County. As a young man, Loel was immersed in the daily practices of farming, and attending school nearby. He was so advanced academically - particularly in mathematics - that he sought post-secondary education before his high school years were complete. Loel studied agriculture in Vermilion, and these years represented the only time he lived away from the homestead.

Loel met the love of his life, Marie, during an outing to pick up farming supplies and they were then inseparable. When Marie was stricken with cancer, it was Loel who made sure she was at various appointments and had the support she needed to manage her illness. After Marie’s passing, Loel carried on with a piece of his heart missing. For the rest of his life, the love he held for Marie shone in his eyes when he spoke of her and their time together. 

Loel was ever-sprightly in mind and body - right up until his final day. Visits with him were sure to include many stories and the wisdom he gained through his years - anything from how to best store garden vegetables to trapping pocket gophers to exactly when any given event occurred in the neighbourhood. His many nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews looked forward to hearing his accounts and, many times, brought their questions to him. “We’ll have to ask Uncle Loel,” was a common phrase for many around him.

Loel’s gentle demeanour awarded him many friends through his life, including the neighbouring Indigenous population, evidenced by his Cree name ‘Mooniasis,’ meaning small white man. Since his passing, there has been sorrow in the hearts of his family. The countryside has lost a storyteller - a bastion of the ways of the old days and a blessing to those around him who were enriched by his desire to share his knowledge and wisdom.

In addition to Marie, Loel was predeceased by his 3 brothers: Clifford, Melvin, and Milton (and sister-in-law Margery); and by his nephew Ken. He is survived by his nieces and nephews, their families, and by his sisters-in-law, Florence and Beth.

The family will be gathering later this year to remember Loel in a private ceremony.