Fenskes receive Quilts of Valor

CRESCO - In a special program at the Freedom Rock in Cresco on Memorial Day, Dale Fenske and his two sons, Eric and Nick, received Quilts of Valor. The trio were happy to be able to receive the quilts together. They were presented by Sandy Thorson.

The Fenskes come from a very long line of men and women who served their country during war, mostly in the Army.

Son, Nick Fenske: 2012-present,  Army National Guard

Son, Eric Fenske: 2009-2012, Army

Dale Fenske: June 1969-December 1971, Army

Uncle Gene Fenske: June 11, 1951-June 4, 1956, Navy

Grandfather Henry Fenske: During WWII (no dates available), Iowa National Guard

Aunt Vera (Fenske) Snow: Jan. 13, 1944-March 1946, WAC

Uncle Lloyd Fenske: March 1943-October 1945, Army

Uncle Calvin Fenske: September 1942-1946, Army/Air

Dad Bill Fenske: March 28, 1941-Aug. 31, 1945, Army

Uncle Elmer “Tom” Fenske: March 28, 1941-Jan. 3, 1944, Army, KIA

Uncle Verne Fenske: Feb. 4, 1941-Oct. 30, 1945, Army

Great-grandfather Kurst: Civil War

Dale’s dad, Bill, and Uncle Elmer joined on the same day and served side-by-side in the 34th Infantry Division. Elmer was killed in action on Jan. 3, 1944 at Venafro, Italy. Ten days later, the men’s sister, Vera, joined the WACs. She ended up marrying Army Captain Van Snow in Berlin during the war.

Nick is currently serving in the 34th Infantry Division, which the family believes is the same one in which Bill and Elmer served.

The only three in Bill’s family who didn’t serve, were his mother, Ruth; brother Gene, who was too young during WWII; and sister, Geneva Gager, although her husband, Floyd Gager was in the Marines during WWII.