Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Leppert Mortuary & Crematory Services - Nora

740 East 86th Street

Indianapolis, Indiana

Maude Fenstermaker Obituary

Maude Balke Fenstermaker

December 28, 1916 - April 24, 2013

Maude Balke Fenstermaker was born in Indianapolis the first child of Frank Carl Balke of Indianapolis and Mildred Nulsen of St. Louis, Mo. She lived in Indianapolis all her life, and was of German ancestry on both sides. Her great-grandfather, Frank Fertig, had the first Christmas tree in the city, was given the contract to paint and gold-leaf the dome of the Statehouse for which he hired 100 men and devised the dedication on the war memorial monument on the Circle-"To Indiana's Silent Victors."

Maude attended Shortridge High School which she considered among the best years of her life. She met her future husband, Ward Fenstermaker, her freshman year, and it was love at first sight.

She graduated from Smith College, Northampton, Mass in 1939. A year after graduation, Maude married her long-time sweetheart, Ward Fenstermaker on September 26, 1940. World War II soon started and Ward, who had graduated from Purdue with an engineering degree, worked at Allison's making aircraft engines where he stayed working 7 days a week for the duration of the War.

In 1946 their daughter, Julie was born, and 10 years later a son, David, joined the family. Maude spent most of her married life as a busy housewife and volunteer.

She was a member of the Junior League, Day Nursery Auxiliary, Indianapolis Museum of Art docent program, and Smith College Club. She also volunteered for 7 years as a 2nd grade reading tutor in the public schools and worked for 17 years as a Republican precinct committeeman.

The church played an important role in her life. She belonged to Second Presbyterian Church for more than 60 years, where she was a deacon and active in the Women's Association, and where Ward was an Elder.

Her favorite recreations included the Players Club, golf at Woodstock Country Club, bridge, reading, and travel. Maude was a long time member of the Great Books Club which continued a reading program long after the original one ended.

Walloon Lake, near Petoskey, Michigan played an important part in Maude's life. Her parents met there and 5 generations on both sides of the family continue to spend their summers at this beautiful lake.

She and Ward traveled extensively. They took many trips and cruises around the world including a 60 day cruise around the continent of South America; a trip to Australia and New Zealand; an African Safari; a visit to the Middle and Far East; and a journey to Israel.

The great tragedy of her life was losing her lovely daughter, Julie, at age 15. She is survived by her son, David, Fenstermaker, daughter-in-law, Deane', and three grandchildren, Grace, Raymond, and Sydney, and by 8 nieces, Mary Katherine, Lois, Barbara, Virginia, Susie, Janet, Kris, Holly; and 8 grand-nieces and nephews.

Maude's funeral service will be held at Second Presbyterian Church on May 15th at 10:00 a.m., followed then by a visitation for family and friends. Leppert Mortuary, Nora Chapel , has been assisting the family during their loss.

Memorial gifts may be made to Second Presbyterian Church or the Walloon Lake Trust and Conservancy.

Published by The Indianapolis Star on May 12, 2013.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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

Memories and Condolences
for Maude Fenstermaker

Not sure what to say?





3 Entries

My thoughts and prayers are with David and family.

Schuyler Baab

May 14, 2013

You have fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith. May your soul now rest with your Lord.

Meredith Norville

May 14, 2013

As you turn to God through your tears and sorrow, bear in mind, “He is the healer of the brokenhearted ones”. (Ps.147:3)

C Johnson

May 12, 2013

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in Maude Fenstermaker's name

Memorial Events
for Maude Fenstermaker

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Leppert Mortuary & Crematory Services - Nora

740 East 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46240

How to support Maude'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 Maude Fenstermaker'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