Fenske Family Reunion 2005

At 12noon on the 4th of July every year since 1930 the family of Ida and Herman Fenske have gathered on the shores of Lake Marquette three miles south of Bemidji, Minnesota for a picnic. As folks moved away from Bemidji and Beltrami county it turned into a "reunion" of sorts. No formal invitations, no RSVP's, just show up at noon and bring food to share. As a way to celebrate the 75th anniversary of this incredible phenomenon we decided to have a real "reunion" and get a larger than usual crowd to atttend. This site is the result of that event. July 4, 2005 at noon, Lake Marquette.
Thanks to everyone who showed up and especially to Marilyn Heltzer who headed up the planning group. We hope to again see many of you next year, and the year after that, and again in the next year. You younger ones, pay attention as you are in charge of the 100th anniversary in 2030!

The second generation of Fenskes who attended this year’s reunion, from left: Darrel Lauderbaugh and his wife, Lillian Fenske Lauderbaugh, Ed Fenske and his wife, Audrey, and Elaine Fenske, whose husband was Walter.

Ed and Audrey Fenske(right)

Sandra and Annette(left) Carol Ann,Harold,Janice, Gerald, Ed and Audrey(right photo)

Nancy,Bob,Joanne and Elaine(left) Dale and Dean(right)

Deborah and John(left)

John and Jack Fenske(left) Anna and Lily(right)

The Lauderbaugh's (right)

Gerald Fenske wins "the farm"..ok, "the barn"

Becky Heltzer with cousin, Jason Fenske (4th generation Fenske's)