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James Fenhagen Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for James Fenhagen
February 20, 2013
Jim was, and still is, one of the most important spiritual and personal influences in my life. In 1973 Jim was instrumental in facilitating my marriage to my husband, Jeffrey. Although I attended St. John's in Georgetown, and sang in the choir, we decided to be married in Northfield, Il, my hometown never realizing that at that time the Bishop of Chicago could not sanction my marriage to a divorcee. Somehow Jim intervened and we became the first couple married in Chicago under the new guidelines. Just today, I noticed that our new Bishop of Pittsburgh, Dorsey McConnell, is being awarded an Honorary Doctorate at GTS and I decided to look for Jim. Needless to say, Jeff and I were shocked and saddened to read of his death. The Church has lost a precious servant and we have lost someone who touched and had a hand in improving our lives immeasureably for over 40 years. Our deepest sympathy to all of the family on your loss.
Mary Greenawalt and Jeffrey Dunbar
Cynthia Taylor
May 2, 2012
I am so sorry to learn of Dean Fenhagen's death. He was a guiding light to me in a time of personal change and I was deeply moved by his warmth and spirituality.
Fern Fetner
April 14, 2012
I still remember the smile on Father Fenhagen's face when I was confirmed some 50 years ago. He meant so much to so many. My God bless his family at this time.
Ray Trewhella
April 11, 2012
We share your loss- our love and prayers are with you.
Ray and Julie Trewhella from St. Michael and All Angels' Episcopal Church
April 11, 2012
Jim Fenhagen was a strong highlight in my spiritual journey and it was a priviledge to have known him. Sarah G. McCrory Saint Martin's, Columbia SC.
The Rev. John Perris
April 10, 2012
The people of St. James' Episcopal Church in Montclair, NJ give thanks for the ministry of Dean Fenhagen and will pray for him during their service of Holy Eucharist on Sunday, April 15th. "Precious in the sight of God is the death of his faithful ones." (Psalm 116:15, NRSV)
Bruce and Ruth Duncan
April 10, 2012
What a loving, caring, compassionate man Jim was! The Church is poorer for his death. Ruth and I send our love to you, Eulalie, and the family.
April 9, 2012
I am so sorry to hear about Jim. Bill and I enjoyed so much knowing you when you had a house in Litchfield and reconnecting when he came to Bethesda by the Sea in FL. What a great career he had. May his memory give you strength in the weeks to come. Best wishes, Meredith Penfield Litchfield, CT
Buck Belmore
April 9, 2012
Dearest Eulalie, Both you and Jim were graceful people of courage, integrity and love. Connie Dee and I were enriched by your example. The Dean's leadership impacted so many lives and his priesthood continues to serve the Church today and for years to come. Alleluia, Christ is risen!
Betsy Hooper-Rosebrook
April 9, 2012
My prayers for your family, along with thanksigiving for the life and ministry of Dean Fenhagen. When I was a GTS seminarian, he came to see me in the hospital, squeezing the visit in before another commitment. Alas, on a tight schedule, he parked illegally and ended up with a ticket. Two years later he said I could pay him back by going with him on another hospital visit; he once again parked illegally, but this time he left me in the car--a stick shift I couldn't drive, if I recall correctly--to try to talk any officer out of a ticket! He was a gentle man whose compassion and care for students shone forth as a wonderful model for our future ministries.
The Rev. Betsy Hooper-Rosebrook, GTS '87
Deborah Tammearu
April 9, 2012
Please accept my deepest sympathy. The Church has lost a remarkable human being. Dean Fenhagen was unfailingly kind and had a wonderful twinkle in his eye! Deborah Tammearu, GTS '82
Richard Murphy
April 8, 2012
Dear Eulalie, Carol and I keep you and your family in our thoughts. Jim had a profound impact on our lives. He saved my life in 1984. We mourn his loss. His Easter has come.
God Bless you, The Rev. Dr. Richard Murphy
Lee McAden Robinson
April 8, 2012
Dear Eulalie, your husband was a kind, wise and gracious man whomI shall always remember with fondness.
April 8, 2012
Father Fenhagen married Fred and Freda Fetner which was the first marriage in
St. Michaels and All Angels in Columbia, S.C. We have been happily married for 52 years. My sister Monty was married to Horst Rosenthal and was the second marriage at the church.
Edmund Robinson
April 7, 2012
My heart goes out to you Eulalie. Jim, minister of my childhood, was a large part of my inspiration to go into the ministry myself, and I will never forget how it pleased me and Bessie to have him participate in my ordination in Charleston in 1999.
Janet Campbell
April 7, 2012
Dean Fenhagen was gracious and kind to me, a brand-new seminarian, on my first day at General when my son and another mischievous 9 year old threw an apple through the deanery window! And of course, he was kind to the boys, too. I also remember how part of his welcoming remarks to new seminarians was that we had 30 days of grace during which we could ask anyone their name, over and over, 'til we remembered it. Surprising how at ease that made us feel. He was an important presence to me during my 3 years at GTS. I'm very sorry for your loss, Mrs. Fenhagen. Janet Campbell, MDiv '88
Joan & Burns Nugent
April 7, 2012
The first church we attended when moving to Washington,DC
in l972 was St. John's...and the warm welcomefrom Jim Fenhagen assurred that it became our church "home" for our
years in Washington, & we still have photos of him on those
famous whitewater river raft trips! Special condolences to
Eulalie. Joan and Burns Nugent
Br. Jack Isbell
April 7, 2012
May dear Fr. Jim, Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory! Love and Prayers to the family!
The Rev. Br. Jack Isbell, OFC
VTS Class of 1971
April 7, 2012
Eulalie, Claude and I were so sad to hear about Jim's death. He played a huge part in my life in the Episcopal Church. We were so happy to reconnect when I was a deacon at Duke Chapel when he celebrated the life of Dr. Earl Brill. And now, at resurrection time, we celebrate Jim's life. God bless you. Love, Tally and Claude
Edie Duffy
April 7, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Eulalie. Jim's life was a blessing for me and many others. I know this has been a long journey for you both. God bless you.
Dorothy Hartzog
April 7, 2012
Jim Fenhagen was perhaps the most humble and Christ-like servant of God I ever encountered. While brief, my experience with him during my days in Pawley's Island has left an indelible memory and mark on my own ministry
Greg Revill
April 7, 2012
Only knew him as John's Dad, not for his accomplishments and station in life. (He wasn't one to point those things out.) A kind man with a ready smile.
Teresa Gocha
April 7, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with Dean Fenhagen's family. I am so grateful to have known him, and learned from him. I think of him often. He gave so much to his students and to the Church.
Teresa Payne Gocha GTS '87
Daniel Weir
April 7, 2012
Jan and I will always be thankful for the gift of your friendship.
The Rev. Canon Daniel S. Weir
Jane and Gerald Block
April 7, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
David Green
April 7, 2012
Jim was a major factor in prying me away from Berkeley and bringing me to General as librarian in 1982. Until his retirement, I always found him an active supporter and good friend. My condolences to you, Eulie. Jim will be sorely missed.
Wes Dunson
April 7, 2012
Will always remember Jim.. a very kind, and caring individual. Prayers and thoughts to you Eulalie and to your family. Wes Dunson
April 7, 2012
Jim was Dean of General Seminary in the 80s when I did my STM there and later was a loving pastor to me while he was chaplain to the House of Bishops when my first wife, Pam, died suddenly. I will always be grateful for his ministry.
Bishop Chris Epting
Nancy Roosevelt
April 6, 2012
What sad news. Jim was one of the major influences on my ministry. Later as we became friends and colleagues through Cornerstone I continued to admire his wit and wisdom. My prayers and thoughts are with Eulalie and her family. The Rev. Nancy A Roosevelt.
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