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Donn Fendler Obituary
Clarksville, TN
LTC (Ret) Donn Charles Fendler, age 90, died on October 10, 2016 at Eastern Maine Medical Center.
Visitation will be from 3-5:30 p.m. on Sunday, October 16, 2016 at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home. Reading of the Rosary will be held at 5:30 p.m.
A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, October 17, 2016 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 709 Franklin Street, Clarksville, TN 37040, with Father Emmanuel Dirichukwu officiating.
He was born August 29, 1926 in New York City, NY and resided in Rye, N.Y. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Maryrose K. Fendler, his father, Donald C. Fendler, his mother, Ruth R. Fendler and his sister, Patricia Faunce. Survivors include son, Dennis K. Fendler, Nashville, TN; daughters, Judith A. King, Cary, N.C.; Bridget M. Fendler, Clarksville, TN; Joan M. Fendler, Guthrie, KY, and six grandchildren, one great-grandson and two brothers, two sisters, and numerous nephews and nieces.
He attended Iona Prep School, New Rochelle, N.Y. and Maine Central Institute in Pittsfield, Maine. He graduated from New Hampton Prep School in New Hampton, N.H., and also from Benedictine College in Atchison, KS and from the Command and General Staff College in Leavenworth, KS.
He served with the U.S. Navy (CB) for two years in WWII serving in the Philippines and China. He then served with the U.S. Army for 28 years serving in Germany, Vietnam (two tours) and Korea. He retired with a total of 30 years of service and the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
He has spent the last 30+ years enjoying his time (Summer/fall) in Newport, Maine on Lake Sebasticook. He enjoyed fishing, boating, working out, and reading. His greatest love was to visit schools and organizations around the country; especially Maine, and talk to the young and adults about his experience when he was lost on Mount Katahdin (Baxter State Park in Millinocket, ME) and in the Maine woods. Meeting Mainers, young and old, was his sole desire.
He was co-author of the book, "Lost on a Mountain in Maine" and author of "Lost Trail," a graphic novel. He also answered hundreds of letters over the years from around the country and the world.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to the Newport Cultural Center, Main Street, Newport, ME 04953 (phone: 207-368-5747); the Pittsfield Library, Main Street, Pittsfield, ME (phone: 207-487-5880), or the Cole Land Museum, 405 Perry Lane, Bangor, ME 04401 (phone: 207-990-3600, ext. 13).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donn Fendler
Sponsored by McReynolds Nave & Larson Funeral Home.
David Black. Williams Bay, WI.
November 10, 2024
I knew the Fendler Family when I was the bratty kid down the street at Ft. Leavenworth. LTC Fendler always insisted that I call him "General Fendler". Judy would babysit for me quite often and was a wonderful human being, she also taught me how to ride a bicycle. Many years later I was stationed in Maine at the now closed Loring A.F.B. and always remembered the Fendler family with very fond memories as I drove north past Baxter State Park. Rest in Peace General Fendler.
Stan Keach
July 2, 2017
Donn Fendler was a big inspiration in my life since I first read Lost on a Mountain in Maine in about 1956. I read it many, many times after that, read it to my children and to many of my students over a long teaching career. I wrote a song about Donn; it took me 10 years to write it, and then 5 more to completely re-write it. I often say, "Donn Fendler is the most famous person in Maine ever." I was thrilled to meet Donn a few years ago; he was a wonderful man, and he had an extraordinary story to tell the world.
Alan Leake
June 6, 2017
To the family of Donn Fendler, I never knew him in person or have visited the site of his happenings during 1939. But I have read his book about those doings and one who reads his story can't help to honor his spirit and strength in a difficult situation.
Timothy Barlow
November 5, 2016
As a Maine teacher, I have read "Lost on a Mountain in Maine" to my students every year for the past 38 years. I have meet Donn twice. His courageous story is worth telling. You will be missed, but your story lives on. It was an honor to have meet you and talked with you. Thank you for sharing your story.
October 21, 2016
Dear Fendler family,
I am sorry for your loss. I hope that you are ok. I am a big fan of Donn Fendler's book Lost On a Mountain in Maine. I bet millions of people are. All I know is that I love that book. I've read it 5 times or more.
Sincerely,
Ryleigh
I had this made up a couple of weeks ago to present to Donn when he was planning on visiting my classroom this coming Friday.
Helen Williams
October 16, 2016
Dick Dreselly
October 16, 2016
I was a year and a half older than Donn, growing up in Falmouth Maine, so well remember the headlines, which gradually decreased as it became apparent he must have died. Then the miracle of his survival crowded Hitler and the coming war off the front pages. In hiking many of the signed trails in Baxter State Park I've been awed by thinking of the difficulty of his ordeal. For one thing, in nine July days without Deet I would have died. I'm lucky to have had the privilege of meeting him about 2005. A lesser miracle: he was modest in spite of his fame. He was a great American.
Donn received an award from the University of Southern Maine for his contribution to Maine Children's Literature.
John Thurlow
October 16, 2016
Donn was an incredible man who inspired generations of Maine children and teachers with his story and his wonderful talks. Thank you to his family for sharing him with us all. He will be missed greatly.
Tribute Site
www.donnfendler.com
Scott Chamberland
October 15, 2016
Rest in Peace
Janet Bouchard
October 15, 2016
The Maine State Society of Washington, DC is broken hearted with the passing of Donn Fendler. He was scheduled to be with us in Washington on October 29 to receive the Annual Big "M" Award from the Society, an award to someone who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to promote Maine and its people. Although Donn indicated that he was not worthy of such an award we all know differently - he is a very worthy recipient. The Maine State Society extends its sincere condolences to the Fendler family and to all those folks who knew him personally as well as through his books. We will never forget you Mr. Fendler!
Jeanne Caron
October 14, 2016
We have been reading Donn Fendler's book, Lost on a Mountain in Maine for over twenty years. Every year we read his book, my students and I write letters to him. Donn answers every single letter and he includes autographed maps. The students loved his book so much this year that one of the girls went home and googled him to learn more about his life. That is how we found out about Donn's passing. We were all so sad when we heard the news. The kids said, We hope you will continue reading his book because it is so great. It will be a tribute to Donn and you will keep his memory alive. We love you - Donn Fendler. xoxo You will continue to be an inspiration to us all. xo
Love always,
Jeanne Caron & Class 5C
Annie L. Sargent School
North Andover, MA
Donn talks to children at the Cole Museum
Jim Neville
October 14, 2016
Cindy Berry
October 13, 2016
Oh, my dear Donn, I miss you so much. It has been a wonderful time through the years seeing you practically every day from May to the end of October. So many funny & fun times for sure. You always told me "what would I do without you?" You're my right hand man. Now, here I am saying " What will I do without you, Donn Fendler?" Love & miss you and please, give Rhee a hug from me. Love you and will catch you on Mount Katahdin, sometime! Rest easy, my friend.
October 13, 2016
To the Family of Donn Fendler- Deepest condolences to all Thank you Donn for your gift of caring and compassion for the people of the great State of Maine . Thank you for wonderful stories of your recounting of the traumatic experience of being lost at 12 yrs old-cannot even imagine-could listen to your re-telling, over and over and over, which I did many a time-One of a kind, a dear, sweet man who will NEVER be forgotten. Feel so privileged to have been in your presence. Good job!!!
Judy Shane-Thomas
West Gardiner, Maine
Lancy Bradshaw
October 13, 2016
May the angels that led you from the Maine wilderness, guide you into Heaven!
Jo Godin
October 13, 2016
My sympathy to Donn's family. I am so glad I got to meet him a few years ago.He lived an outstanding life. May he rest in peace.
Sgt. Dershimer, and one of his dogs, with Donn and his family
John Burtis
October 13, 2016
I am saddened at the passing of LTC Donn Fendler. In 1939, my uncle, Sgt. Jerauld Dershimer of Troop K, NY State Police, responded to Mt. Katahdin, ME, from Hawthorne, NY, to search for Donn with his partner and his bloodhounds. Although unsuccessful, he befriended the Fendler family. Many years later I chatted with Donn on the phone and shared my uncle's and our military experiences. I will miss Donn's wit and humor so often shown in the face of adversity.
Penny Haslett
October 13, 2016
We are so sorry to hear of Donn passing away. I have pictures of him with my son that he autographed . Such a nice gentle soul who impacted many lives of young and old. It is ironic my husband went on a wrecker call up in Houlton and took a picture with of Mt. Katahdin and think of Donn on Monday morning. I still have a Christmas card he sent us last year. I pray for comfort and peace during this difficult time of losing such great loved one. May God wrap his arms around you and give you the peace you need. God Bless Penny, Joel, Garrett Haslett
Donn enjoying fishing on First Roach Pond, with Wayne
Barbara Plummer
October 13, 2016
We were always familiar with Donn's story from remembrances from my mother and grandmother, who lived through that awful week, listening to the radio news each day. What a joy to meet him when he came to stay at our lodge and fish with Wayne. We enjoyed his visits and treasured his friendship. We will miss him so and extend our deepest sympathy and condolences to all of his loved ones. What a sweet man and shining light.
Donn fishing First Roach Pond
Wayne and Barbara Plummer
October 13, 2016
Mike Flack
October 13, 2016
I commanded a company in LTC Fendler's battalion at Ft. Campbell 45 years ago. He was a good commander, a good man, and a true soldier in every sense of the word. He did a lot for me and I will never forget him.
Pa Co
October 13, 2016
DOL
Dianne Bouford
October 13, 2016
I never had the pleasure of meeting Donn but his story was a big part of my life. When we hiked Katahdin Donn's story was never far from our thoughts. When we had relatives from out of state come to visit, "Lost on a Mountain in Maine" was required reading for the kids before our trip to Baxter. Condolences to his family and loved ones. Know that his life touched many hearts. Happy trails and safe hiking in the great beyond.
Victoria Cohen
October 13, 2016
He will be missed dearly
Chrustopher Gardner
October 13, 2016
Sorry for the families loss! He gave a lot to the children of Maine. May he rest in peace!
Barbara Gipson
October 13, 2016
A Bright Spot in our world has gone, but never forgotten.
With Deepest Sympathy
to the Fendler Family
Donn at Books in Boothbay-7/9/16
Lynn Plourde
October 13, 2016
Hugs to the family. Donn was a gift to me, to the whole state of Maine. Shall miss him more than words can say.
Mary Balasa
October 12, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Fendler, his family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers. I am a retired teacher from Philadelphia, Pa. and have read, Lost on a Mountain in Maine, for many years to many students. The children sent letters to Mr. Fendler and they were always so excited when he wrote the most detailed letters to each individual student. I will always appreciate his kindness for taking the time and effort to share his story and respond to my students.
Nestor Iglesias
October 12, 2016
Deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Don Fendler. He was planning his annual return to Clarksville from Maine in the coming week. Several of us were anxiously awaiting his return to the YMCA to continue our morning conversations and his entertaining witt. Don will be greatly missed by all who knew him and admired him. He was a great human being. My sincere condolences to his family who loved him dearly.
Wayne and Carol Whitaker
October 12, 2016
He will be.missed by all of us on Barrows Point
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Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
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