Sertoma honors Fenskes

Couple receives Service to Mankind Award

By RON LARSEN

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- More than 100 people turned out for dinner Monday night at the New Ulm Country Club to honor this year's Sertoma Service to Mankind Award recipients, Harold and Betty Fenske of New Ulm.

The Fenskes were showered with humorous recollections, love and affection. They even were the object of a "Harold and Betty Fenske Day" proclamation from New Ulm Mayor Arnold Koelpin.

Later, in responding to the accolades, Harold Fenske was nearly speechless. "Oh, my ... thank you all."

Mike Dove, New Ulm Sertoma president, presented the Service to Mankind Award "In appreciation for all the things you've done. All the testimonials today mentioned their reaching out to others which is what Sertoma is all about."

Betty Fenske responded, "We are so thrilled to join this fraternity of people who have won in the past."

Those who nominated the Fenskes came forward to give the gathering an insight into the character and dedication of the Fenskes.

Their pastor at United Church of Christ, Hank Campbell, was the first at the podium.

"Harold was the first person I'd met from New Ulm when I came here to look at taking over this church," Campbell recalled. "Harold and Betty convinced me that New Ulm was the place to come. Why, they even took my children to Heritagefest!

"They're not the kind of people who are out looking for awards. They are people who I value for their skills -- listening and helping others. They help inspire and are a wonderful gift and attribute to our community."

James Schroeck, a long-time friend, found that "the things you've done, Betty, blows my mind. I've asked Harold to do something for me many, many times, and he's never turned me down."

Schroeck also recalled the enterprise that Harold showed, as a 21-year-old, when he and a friend opened a Root Beer stand, called The Mug.

For Joyce Steinke, it was, among other things, the support they gave her after her husband died. "They knew that I needed help with our place up North so they offered to come up for a working weekend. The place has never been so clean -- before or since. I am privileged to be a good friend of Harold and Betty."

Mary Lou Dosland couldn't agree more. "They've always been there for their friends. While my husband Al was off trying cases around Minnesota, Harold would bring his tool box over and he kept our house in running order."

Al Dosland told the group "Harold is really thrilled by all of this. I watched him closely tonight, and he turned his hearing aid ON!"

Then, it was the Fenskes' family's turn.

"I suppose I should be here to tell the real story," son Bruce Fenske said, "but I won't dish the dirt.

"What I really want to reflect on tonight is their balanced retirement for the past 13 years. I see so many people retire only to continue what they have been doing, but they haven't done that. Their retirement has been filled with all sorts of activities, including the volunteerism you have heard about tonight."

All three Fenske siblings--Lynn of North Mankato, Sandy Fenske of Excelsior, and Bruce -- were there with their families to help honor their parents.