Michael Fenner
Feb. 2, 2002-May 20, 2020
Michael Chad Fenner,
18, a beloved son, brother,
grandson, uncle and
friend, died on May 20th,
2020.
Michael was born in
Whitehall, PA on Febru-
ary 2, 2002 to Chad
Fenner and Nancy
(Schmidt) Cena. He spent
his youth in Minot and at-
tended Roosevelt Elemen-tary, Erik Ramstad Middle
School and was a member
of the Minot High School
graduating class of 2020.
Michael was an active
member of the Minot
Soccer Association and
Minot Magic FC. He had
traveled with teams the
past five years of his life
and spent the last year as
a goalkeeper for the South
Dakota United, All-star
Travel Team. Michael also
excelled in his auto
mechanics class at Minot
High. He appreciated cars
and planned to focus his
studies on diesel mechan-
ics at the North Dakota
State College of Science in
Wahpeton.
Michael was also very
active in the Minot Re-
creation Department along
with his father, and could
always be seen by his
side, score keeping or
watching Dad keep the
teams in line. He eventu-
ally came to work for the
Department, just like his
Dad, groundskeeping and
preparing the fields
around town.
Michael grew up with
two amazing parents that
always made sure he did
the right thing. From his
Dad, he learned patience
and the virtue of a steady
hand. From his Mom, he
learned to love fiercely
and unconditionally. He
knew the value of a hard
day’s work, and always
helped, even if sometimes
a little begrudgingly. He
grew into an amazing
leader, and lifted up
everyone that was for-
tunate enough to be in his
life.
Michael touched many
lives in his short time on
this Earth. There wasn’t a
person he wouldn’t
befriend, even if in a
small way. He was caring,
kind, and always knew
how to bring a smile to
your face. His presence
would light up a room,
especially because he nev-
er shied away from telling
a good (or bad) joke.
Michael was wise
beyond his years, quick
witted, and loved to de-
bate. He was stubborn,
but also humble enough
to admit when he was
wrong. He was also caring
enough to hold others to
this high standard, which
helped make the world
around him a better place.
Michael is survived by:
his mother and father; si-
blings Zachery, Nicholis
and Steevie; grandparents
Sheryl Fenner, Minot,
ND, Catherine Schmidt,
Carteret, NJ and Mr. and
Mrs. Michael Schmidt,
Inverness, FL along with
numerous family
members, his niece,
several aunts and uncles
and many cousins and
friends.
Michael was preceded
in death by: his grandfa-
ther Robert Fenner and
uncles John D’Alessio and
Thomas Lipnicki.
Service to remember
Michael will be held on
Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at
2:00 p.m. at the Minot
Municipal Auditorium.
Social distancing and
capacity guidelines will
be followed for the venue.
A link to view a lives-
tream of Michael’s service
will be available at
www.thomasfamily
funeralhome.com
Public visitation will be
held at the Minot Munici-pal Auditorium on Tues-
day, May 26, 2020 from
11:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
Social distancing guide-
lines will be followed. At-
tendees can access the ve-
nue via the north parking
lot of the auditorium.
Donations are requested
in lieu of flowers or gifts.
The donations will be
used to set up a Memorial
Fund in Michael’s
Memory and Remem-
brance.
Memories and con-
dolences can be shared at
www.thomasfamily
funeralhome.com.