John W. Fenske, 56

Rapid City John Wayne Fenske, age 56, of Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away at his home on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018.

Funeral service for John will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2018 at Patton Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018 from 5-7 p.m. at Patton Funeral Home. Patton Funeral Home in Blue Earth is entrusted with arrangements. www.PattonFH.com

John was born on Feb. 2, 1962 in Blue Earth, to Wayne and Jeanette (Ziegler) Fenske. He grew up in the Blue Earth and Elmore area. He was active in scouts and he graduated in 1980 from Elmore High School. He went on to attend Mankato State University. He worked at Carlson Crafts in Mankato for many years, transferring in 1997 to Rexburg, Indiana, working at Artco. At the time of his death, John was employed as a Human Resources manager for Lowe’s in Rapid City, South Dakota. In 2017, John was awarded the American Legion State and National Employee Award in appreciation for hiring Veterans. This is the first time someone was awarded this from the state of South Dakota.

John enjoyed fishing, camping, traveling and being outdoors. He always had a love of nature, especially being on his ATV and spending time with his friends.

John is survived by his mother, Jeanette Fenske; brother, Robert Fenske, both of Blue Earth; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, other relatives and friends. John is preceded in death by his grandparents; father, Wayne and brother, Wes Fenske.