Dennis Earl Fender
Dennis Earl Fender, age 86, son of the late Earl and Mary Lower Fender passed away at his home on Sunday, July 24, 2016 after a period of declining health.
He was born October 25, 1929 in a log cabin on the property where he has lived his entire life. He graduated valedictorian from Baltic High School class of 1947 and served in the Korean Conflict where he was a member in the Army Military Band.
On September 3, 1950 he married Janet (Lapp) who survives. Dennis a lifelong farmer and maple syrup producer, eventually established Fender’s Fish Hatchery in 1956 and the family continues to run the business.
He was a lifelong member of the Zion United Church of Christ of New Bedford, Ohio Farm Bureau, Charter member of the Ohio River Valley Llama Association, and several aqua culture associations local and national. Dad was well known to pond owners all over the country for his vast knowledge of ponds and lakes and how to stock and manage them. He spent hours and hours educating pond owners.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by children, Cheryl (John) Scherer, Bill (Terri) Fender, Jan Fender Pettibone, and Steve (Veronica) Fender. Grandchildren: Stephanie (Mark) Lorenz, Jason (Deana) Scherer, Sara (Steve) Sargent, Trace (Molly) Fender, Brooke (Levi) Hamilton, Joey (Carmen) Hall, Jenna (Sam) Schwartz, Dennis Fender, Betsy Fender, Emily (Josh) Newman. Great grandchildren: Nick and Joel Lorenz, Brodie, Brendan and Piper Scherer, Doyle and Porter Sargent, Sally, Ruby and Miles Fender, Daphne Hamilton, Hayden Fender, Max Schwartz, Lucas and Marianne Hall.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son-in-law, John Scherer and grandson, Christopher Scherer.
Services will be held on Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at 11:00 AM at the Zion United Church of Christ in New Bedford with Pastor Bill Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery where the Sugarcreek American Legion will conduct Military Honors. Friends may call Tuesday, July 26, 2016 from 1-3 and 5-7 PM at the Church.
Arrangements are being handled by Smith-Varns Funeral Home at Sugarcreek. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Zion United Church of Christ of New Bedford (envelopes will be available at the church) or Garaway Education Foundation, P.O. Box 340, Sugarcreek, Ohio 44681.
Category: Obituaries
