Edward Hugh Fenlon

Edward Fenlon
Edward H. Fenlon, 106, of Petoskey, Michigan, died peacefully in Long Beach, California, on Sunday, September 19th, at the home of his son, Michael. He had resided here for the past 5 years. He was born in St. Ignace, Michigan on October 7, 1903 to James Fenlon and his wife, Anna (nee McLaughlin) and grew up in nearby Hessel, Michigan. He graduated from Sault Sainte Marie High School 1922 and attended Grand Rapids Community College for two years. He received his Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1927. Following graduation he served as a legal apprentice in the law office of State Senator P.M. Brown in St. Ignace, eventually earning his JD degree and becoming a partner. In 1933 he ran for and won a seat on the Michigan State Legislature representing Mackinac and Emmet Counties. In 1935 he wrote and introduced the bill in the Michigan Legislature that led to the creation of the Mackinac Bridge Authority. This led to the eventual funding and building of the Mackinac Bridge in 1957 at the Straits of Mackinac. He married Elizabeth Jane Weckbaugh of Saginaw, Michigan in 1939 and returned to St. Ignace where he served as Prosecuting Attorney for Mackinac County until 1945. In 1951 he was appointed Circuit Court Judge by then Governor G. Mennen Williams. The judicial circuit included Emmet, Cheboygan, and Mackinac Counties. He served in this position until his retirement in 1974. He served on the NCMC Founder's steering committee which led to the creation of North Central Michigan College (NCMC) in Petoskey. Ned stayed active in retirement with many interests including a great love of boating on the Great Lakes, travel, banjo playing, and politics. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 62 years, Elizabeth Jane, in 2001. He leaves behind his son, Dr. Michael (Carol Sue) Fenlon of Long Beach, CA, two granddaughters, Shauna Dok (Stephen) of San Diego, CA, Kathleen Vitakis (Alexander) of Los Altos, CA, and seven great-grandchildren; Justin, Quentin, Eden, and Christian Vitakis, and Spencer, Grady, and Charles Dok. He will especially be remembered for his love of family, his faith, fairness, optimism, his well know Irish humor, his encouragement, a lifetime of helping others, and for his parting farewell, "Keep the Faith!" A memorial Mass will be held at 11 am on Thursday, October 7th at Our Lady of Refuge in Long Beach, California, on what would have been his 107th birthday. Edward's family suggest that memorial gifts in his honor may be directed to North Central Michigan College Foundation at 1515 Howard Street, Petoskey, Michigan 49770.
Luyben Family Dilday-Mottell Mortuary (562) 425-6401
www.luybenfamilyd-m.com