Noel Dick Fenner, age 88, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Noel was born January 20, 1938, to Rev. Albert and Irene (nee Dick) Fenner in Cincinnati, Ohio. Noel’s father accepted a call to northern Indiana and that’s when he met his loving wife, Donna, when they were in the 8th grade.

Noel graduated from Concordia Lutheran High School where he was active in Jr. ROTC. He then apprenticed at General Electric. He graduated from Purdue University where he was a member of ROTC, attaining the rank of 2nd Lt. upon graduation. One week after his graduation, he finally married Donna Heckman, the love of his life. Noel served 2 years of active duty in the US Army, stationed at Ft. Riley, Kansas.

After the military, Noel’s career was in the food service industry, beginning with Stouffers restaurants then ARA Food Service, Woodhaven, and retiring from US Foods. Noel & Donna had many moves in their married life – Manhattan Kansas, Chicago, Detroit, Steubenville Ohio, Toledo Ohio, and lastly Cincinnati.

Noel was a man of great Christian faith and a very active member of Zion Lutheran Church, where he served as an Elder, Trustee, Deacon, and Choir member. Noel served on three Building Committee teams. After retirement, Noel served as the Custodian for Zion for many years.

Noel and Donna enjoyed their travels throughout the United States and especially their trip to Europe with many of their friends from Zion.

Noel was always an industrious handyman who prided himself on attention to detail and his extensive and impeccably organized tool collection. In later years he greatly enjoyed participation in duties at American Legion Post 318, lunch with “the guys”, playing dominoes with friends and great-grandkids, and taking daily post-soap-opera naps.

Noel was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Walther (Margaret) and Carl (Percene), and sister Margery. He is survived by his dearest wife of 63 years, Donna; his loving sons Greg (Peggy), Eric and Matthew (Rosalie); grandchildren Scott (Allison), Andrew (Hattie) and Rachel; great-grandchildren Charlie, Audrey, Harvey, Elsie and Hazel.

Visitation will be at Zion Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 10, from 9:30 am to 11 am. Funeral will follow at 11 am at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Zion Lutheran Church, 1175 Birney Lane, Cincinnati, OH 45230 www.zionlpc.org. or to “A Kid Again”, https://akidagain.org, a charity providing adventures of hope, happiness, and healing to children with life-threatening conditions.