1930
Robert
2019
Robert Joseph Fennell
October 24, 1930 — July 19, 2019
Robert was baptized at St. Malachy’s Church in Clontarf, MN and confirmed into the Catholic faith by Archbishop Murrey. He grew up in Clontarf and attended District 25 through the eighth grade and graduated from Benson High School in 1948. From 1950-1954 Robert served in the Navy during the Korean War. Robert worked in Clontarf, Montevideo, Owatonna, and Benson and had over 50 years in the grocery business. He also owned the store in Clontarf for 18 years.
On December 27, 1958, Robert was united in marriage to Mary M. Klucas at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Montevideo by Father Paul Gorman. To this union, four sons and one daughter were born. Together, Robert and Mary enjoyed almost 45 years of marriage until her passing in 2003. Robert was united to Charlotte Haugen on September 10, 2011. They were able to share almost 9 years together.
The family moved to Clontarf, and besides owning Fennell’s Grocery he also owned the Chatterbox where they were known for their broasted chicken. Robert belonged to the Knights of Columbus, VFW, Lion’s Club, AA Sponsor, Boy Scouts, Lakes Area Model Railroad Association, Swift County RDA Board, and was instrumental in starting the Clontarf Fire Department. Among many things Robert enjoyed were model and railroad trains, cooking, gardening, and Peanut Buster Parfaits. He especially treasured spending time with family and friends. Bob was an avid baseball fan and loved the Twins. He was thrilled when he and his good friend Ed Fitz attended the World Series in 1987 and 1991.
Robert was very determined to overcome his health obstacles. He survived quadruple bypass surgery, living with diabetes, and was a double leg amputee. He never complained and continued to live life the best he could to remain independent.
Robert is survived by Charlotte Haugen; three sons: Steven (Rhonda) Fennell of Benson, David (Mary) Fennell of Fergus Falls, and Mark (Annette) Fennell of Benson; one daughter, Angela (Tom) Ricker of Benson; 14 grandchildren: Kristy, Joe (Liz), Addison and Jacob Fennell, Corey (Greta), Britta (Tyler) and Carter Fennell, Taylor (special friend Katelyn Anderson) and Nicole (Nathan) Gades, Cassie (Brandon) Foster and Keegan (Maggie) Fennell, Ashley Klingbeil (fiancé Chad Kuebelbeck), Hannah and Thomas Ricker; 16 great-grandchildren; sister Marilyn Dorschner; and brother-in-law Ken Gode.
Robert is preceded in death by his wife, Mary Fennell, son Mike Fennell, parents Joseph and Eleanor, sister Catherine in infancy, sister Donna Gode, brother Merle Fennell, and brother-in-law Richard Dorschner.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Joseph Fennell, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Friday, July 26, 2019
9:30 - 10:30 am (Central time)
St. Malachy Catholic Church in Clontarf
Mass of Christian Burial
Friday, July 26, 2019
Starts at 10:30 am (Central time)
St. Malachy Catholic Church in Clontarf
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