Search by Name

PETER FENNEL Sr.

1928 - 2014

PETER FENNEL Sr. obituary, 1928-2014, Las Vegas, NV

BORN

1928

DIED

2014

PETER FENNEL Obituary

PETER FENNEL SR. Peter J. Fennel Sr., M.D., a retired anesthesiologist, passed away peacefully April 9, 2014, after a brief illness. He was 85. Pete's final days were spent in the kind and loving care of his family and the staff at Nathan Adelson Hospice. Dr. Fennel was born Nov. 28, 1928 in Alexandria, La., the son of Lawrence Fennel Sr. and Ruth C Fennel. Dr. Fennel's father worked for Standard Oil and was stationed in Central America at the time, so several years of his life as a young boy were spent in Venezuela before returning to Louisiana. He was educated at Cornell University, where he obtained his medical degree in 1952. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in U.S. Navy in 1954, and stationed in Portsmouth, N.H. until his honorable discharge two years later. After his service, he remained in the northeast United States, practicing in Portland, Maine for a time before making his way back to Louisiana. Working at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, he met a young nurse, Ruth Kettenring, whom he married New Year's Eve, 1965. The couple moved to Las Vegas in 1968, setting down permanent roots in the valley. Dr. Fennel earned board certification in anesthesia in 1960, and thereafter exclusively practiced that specialty. He served as chairman of the Anesthesia Department at Valley Hospital in 1977, and served in the same role at Desert Springs Hospital in 1984. He practiced anesthesia until 1993 when he retired, but maintained his medical license and continued as a part-time staff physician for 21st Century Oncology for many years. Dr. Fennel had many interests and passions. In his younger years, Pete loved to dance. He and Ruth were long-time members of the local square and round dance community and owned a retail store catering to its needs. Gardening was an interest as well, especially growing camellias in the backyard. He also liked to take his family on the road in their motor home. Pete also loved dogs, training and showing Boxers and Rottweilers, winning several awards and ribbons along the way. Late in life, he and Ruth rescued a Golden Retriever named Berkley, who became his best friend and companion even while in hospice. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Lawrence Fennel Jr. Dr. Fennel is survived by his wife; two children, Peter J. Fennel Jr. and Tracy (Troy) Morris; granddaughters, Nadia and Taylor; and three great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be at 1 p.m. Saturday April 19, at First Christian Church, 101 Rancho Drive, Las Vegas. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an animal rescue charity or to First Christian Church.

Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal on Apr. 15, 2014.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for PETER FENNEL

Not sure what to say?





5 Entries

Ruth, Tracy,and Jay. I am thinking about you all. The Obit was lovely, we will miss Pete even though we did not see you all very often. Rusty

April 17, 2014

Tracy and Peter Jr.,

I'd like to share a poem that I've found very comforting during these difficult times. I also shared it at my father's funeral.

" If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Happy moments, praise God.
Difficult moments, seek God.
Quiet moments, worship God.
Painful moments, trust God.
Every moment, thank God."

Hope to see you two on Saturday.

Wade Fennel

April 16, 2014

Tracy, your Daddy was so kind to me when I had my knee operated on. He had such genuine concern for me and my comfort. I lost my Daddy 2 years ago last week. I understand. My heart goes out to you and your lovely family. Jeri Krosta Bennett

Jeri Krosta Bennett

April 15, 2014

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Femnel/Morris family. We will miss his humor, smile and presence in the front row pew at First Christian Church.

Mark and Becky Jones

April 14, 2014

My deepest sympathies go to your family.There is not a lot that can be said to lessen the grief. Youre in my thoughts and prayers. (Now he can take up fishing with my Dad) Love, Deanna Overmiller Jacobs

Deanna Jacobs

April 14, 2014

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 results

Make a Donation
in PETER FENNEL's name

Memorial Events
for PETER FENNEL

Apr

19

Memorial service

1:00 p.m.

First Christian Church

101 Rancho Drive, Las Vegas, NV

How to support PETER's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor PETER FENNEL's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more