James H. Fenske

James H. “Jim” Fenske

November 16, 1939 – October 2, 2025                                                                                         

James H. “Jim” Fenske, age 85, of Waukesha, passed away on October 2, 2025.

Jim was born in Wisconsin, the son of William A. and Bernice L. (née Willey) Fenske. He grew up in Markesan, Wisconsin, where he graduated from Markesan High School. He later earned his bachelor’s degree after studying at both UW-Madison and UW-Platteville. Jim dedicated his career to accounting—a profession that suited his sharp mind and meticulous attention to detail.

On September 29, 1962, Jim married his college sweetheart, Ina Wasberg. Together, they shared 58 years of marriage and raised three sons: Timothy, Thomas, and David. Jim was a devoted and generous husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

His life was enriched by the communities he served and the hobbies he loved. He was an active member of the Wisconsin Woodworkers Guild, the Tripoli Shrine of Waukesha, and the Markesan Historical Society.  In his free time, he enjoyed woodworking, researching family history, camping, fishing at his Markesan lake house, and playing cards with people who would become lifelong friends.  He served as a Boy Scout leader and proudly raised three Eagle Scouts. He was also involved with AFS and hosted many foreign exchange students.  A passionate traveler, he explored widely and encouraged his sons and grandchildren to do the same. In the early 1970s, he joined the Peace Corps and took his wife and twin toddlers to Ecuador and helped locals organize a furniture co-op.  Later in life, he especially enjoyed visiting dear friends Airi and Jouko and their family in Finland.

Jim was a good neighbor and benefited from the kindness of several long-time neighbors.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Donald H. Fenske (Hazel) and Ralph W. Fenske; and his wife, Ina. He is survived by his sons: Timothy (Nicole) of Middleton, WI; Thomas (Linda) of Corvallis, OR; and David (Elena) of Berlin, Germany; his cherished grandchildren: Heather Vencill (Colin), Forrest, Charles, Leia, and Kalem; and great-grandchildren: Sadie, Wilder, and River; and by his sister-in-law, Jane Fenske; and additional family members.

The family will have a private burial.  If desired, memorial donations may be made to The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration. 

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