Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services Offering dignified services since 1919

Back to Obituaries

Steven M Fenter

Steven M Fenter

Steven M. Fenter, age 64 of Plum City, Wisconsin, died Thursday March 9, 2023, after a brief battle with cancer. He spent his last days at the family farm in Plum City surrounded by family.

Steve was born on July 16, 1958, in Cherry Point, North Carolina. He was the son of Victor and Gertrude (Rathke) Fenter. At a young age, Steve’s family moved to Orange County, California where he lived through high school graduation. He went to college in Seward, Nebraska where he met Julie Wollslager, the mother of his children.

Steve loved his work in computer networking, ending his career as the Assistant V.P. of Network Operations at U.S. Bank. He also loved being a dad. He put everything into being a parent and his life revolved around his eight children. Steve was passionate about music, writing and performing songs early in life, and later teaching his children how to play instruments. Later in life he took up international travel for work, experiencing Thailand, India, Singapore, the Czech Republic, Italy, and many other destinations with friends & colleagues. After being his daughter’s biggest fan at her marathons for a few years, Steve got serious about distance running again in his sixties. In the past four years he ran several 5Ks, half marathons, and trail ultramarathons all over the country with his daughter and others.

Steve is survived by his children, John (LeAnn) of Durand WI, Joel (Jennah) of Eleva WI, Christin of Portland OR, Daniel of Hudson WI, Joshua of Mary Esther FL, Peter of Plum City WI, Bethany of Plum City WI and Annalise of Eau Claire WI. He has three grandchildren, Kira, Lucas, and Lauren. He is also survived by his brother, Craig Fenter of Turkey, and many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, Victor and Gertrude.

Steve’s Celebration of Life will be held Sunday March 19th. Friends and neighbors can reach out to the family for details.

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.      

Condolences

  1. Bruce Voss

    Comfort Ye My People

    No more will you turn to another for help
    Nor will you turn to yourself, to yourself
    Nor will you say, "My God" to some other
    For in Me you'll find mercy,

    I will heal your wrong ways, I will love you so freely
    You will dwell beneath my shadow
    I will be as the dew to my people
    And they will blossom as the lilly,

    Your beauty will be like the olive tree
    Your fragrance as Lebanon, Lebanon
    You will live as a well watered garden
    And you will flourish like the vine,

    Comfort Ye My People
    Comfort Ye My People
    Comfort ye my people

    Lyrics by God as told to us by Joel Chernoff and sung to us by Steve Fenter

    Thank you Steve for sharing your amazing giftings with the world.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WtYcBtZhipQ

  2. Lu Anne Reifschneider

    I met Steve 46 years ago as a student at Concordia Teachers College in Seward Nebraska. We were part of a singing group that traveled in the summer months across the country singing contemporary Christian music in churches. Steve was so talented - from guitar to singing. He had compassion, a big heart, a great smile and deep blue eyes that got him noticed at concerts with lots of youth. We have kept in touch over the years and I hosted his family at my house several times. He was so genuine in his faith and how he lived his life. HIs kids were the light of his life. He was working o his next music project in the last year - a recording studio in the house - I was so anxious to hear some recordings. His chorus now is heavenly and those harps better not be out of tune! Steve will be missed but we know he is in the presence of our loving God and that someday we will join him and the heavenly chorus. Rejoice & Celebrate Steve!!!

  3. Jim Stowell

    Had the privilege to work with Steve at US Bank. Very knowledgeable about work and life. Steve was kind and a great spirit - and he made a difference. Blessings of peace to the Fenter family.

  4. Charlene Zink

    I'm so very sorry to hear of Steve's passing. I went to Concordia with Steve and had the pleasure of being in a band with him for a short time. Steve was a very talented musician. He will be dearly missed. Prayers for strength, comfort, and peace to his family.

  5. Daryl and Debra Ramquist

    Went to Concordia with Steve and later toured with him in Celebrate. Amazing man and musician. Always a smile and full of faith in God. He is now safe in the arms of Jesus. Our loss is His gain. We will see you again, Steve, in our heavenly home. ♥️

  6. Stephen Zylla

    Steven, I have many fond memories of you.

  7. Etienne Du Toit

    I'm so sorry to hear about Steve's passing.
    Steve was gifted with many talents and much potential.
    He loved hymns. At the news of his passing, I was reminded of the words of one particular hymn.
    "Yet while I seek and find thee not, no peace my wondering soul shall see"

    My hope and prayer is that Steve's wondering soul has now finally found its rest.

  8. Ted and Lori Pilcher

    We are so sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. We remember the fun times we spent together in our earlier years. This is a difficult time but find comfort knowing he is with the Lord! May you have peace that only God can give.

    Love, Ted and Lori

  9. Karl Brusen

    I was Steve’s CCIE study partner 20 years ago. I credit him with keeping me motivated to stay focused and do what was necessary to accomplish the goal… something that had a profound impact on my career. We also shared a love of music. He was a kind, gentle, and very smart man. I’m glad that I was able to spend some time with him last summer. I offer my sincere condolences to his family. He is in my prayers.

    I’d appreciate it if someone would provide me with information regarding Steve’s Celebration of Life.

View More Posts ( # )