James Ronald Fenner

James Ronald Fenner (Jim) , 75, of Fort Collins, CO went to be with his Lord and Savior on June 25, 2016 following a lengthy illness; by his side were his loving family and best friends, Ron and Sherry Smith. He was proceeded in death by his parents, George and Margaret Fenner. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 55 years, Bonnie Fenner (Kragenbring), three daughters; Dawn (Jay) Fischer, Denise Vondra (Michael), Darcy Peterson (Mike), brother, Ken Fenner; seven grandchildren, Aaron, Cody, Samantha, Amanda, Andrew, Abigail, Johannah; four great-grandchildren, Elijah, Makayla, Braydon, Matthew; nieces, nephews, and many friends .

Jim knew no stranger, without any hesitation and apparent ease, he would strike up a conversation with anyone with whom he made contact; he was known for sharing his love for Jesus in these encounters, then offering a visit to his church home. Jim rarely left home without his faithful boxer, Gunther, with whom he felt certain was welcome at all the local businesses.
Jim spent the first half of his life in MN and the latter in CO, though his passion for fishing was the same, whether for walleye in MN, or trout in the Colorado Mountains.

The majority of Jim's career was devoted to the insurance and investments industry. Prior to this, Jim spent a few years as a radio announcer and worked as a break man for Great Northern Railroad. Jim had the professional credentials ofLUTCF, CSA, earning numerous sales honors and awards. He was past President of the Fergus Falls and the Colorado Life Underwriters Association. In Jim's twenty five year career with Lutheran Brotherhood, he was consistently one of their top producers. He then joined the Principle Group, where he spent ten years as a financial consultant. Jim ended his career with Ohio National when poor health forced his retirement.He was proud to have achieved life and qualifying membership in the Million Dollar Round Table. Throughout the course of his forty year career, his wife, Bonnie was not only his partner in life, but also his career partner.

Jim served as the President of Jaceeys while residing in Fergus Falls and participated in countless community service events through this organization. He served as Elder and Church Council President in numerous Lutheran churches he would call home.

While his successful career was an important aspect of how he spent his time, when asked, "what's really important Jim?" Without hesitation he would reply, "If it has nothing to do with salvation, it doesn't matter" and holding your attention, he would share accomplishments and character traits of the people he loved the most, his family. He loved his three daughters and grandchildren with zeal and adoration (noted by his vanity plates, OPAX7), but never hesitated to fulfill his role as the leader when one needed redirection. Eternal Salvation was all that mattered and the family has found enormous peace with the certainty that Jim's new residence is with Jesus.

Memorials may be given to Redeemer Lutheran Church ( http://www,redeemerconnect.com/ ) and/or Lives Matter ( http://bluelivesmatternyc.org/pages/donate )

Jim's memorial service will be held at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Fort Collins, CO on Tuesday, June 28th at 11:00 am with a lunch to follow. The Reverend, Timothy Runtsch will be officiating.