Daniel William Fenner

Daniel William Fenner, 59, of Sheboygan Falls, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2025, at Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.

Dan was born on March 16, 1966, to Donald and Marcia (Melius) Fenner in Sheboygan. He graduated from Sheboygan Falls High School and later attended the UW–Madison Farm and Industry Short Course to prepare for a career in farming.

Dan farmed for many years alongside his father on Fenview Farm, which has been in the Fenner family for over 100 years. Together they milked registered Holsteins before eventually selling the dairy herd. Dan’s love of farming continued through raising beef cattle and caring for the family land. After farming, he worked at Kohler Co. for nearly a decade, first on the golf course maintenance team at Whistling Straits—where he helped prepare for the 2007 U.S. Senior Open—and later at the Kohler Stables. More recently, he worked at Sheboygan Paper Box as a warehouse forklift driver.

Known for his gift of conversation, Dan never met a stranger—he loved to talk with anyone he met, just like his dad. He had a lifelong passion for raising and showing birds, earning numerous champion awards, with his bloodlines continuing in shows today. He also shared a special passion for supporting his daughter in raising and showing her goats, spending countless hours helping her and later mentoring many 4-H kids with their projects—goats, birds, and cows alike.

Dan was a devoted fair enthusiast. He spent countless hours attending and exhibiting at the Sheboygan County and Wisconsin State Fairs, as well as bird, and shows across the region. He built a wide community of friends along the way and generously shared his passion and knowledge with others. He proudly carried on a family tradition of never missing the Sheboygan County Fair for 58 consecutive years—just like his father before him.

Dan was also an avid fan of the Milwaukee Brewers and Green Bay Packers, rarely missing a game on TV. He especially loved time spent with his beloved dog, Sahara, who was always by his side.

He is survived by his daughter, Lyndsay (Michael) Burmesch; grandson, Cameron Burmesch; mother, Marcia Fenner; sisters, Ginny (John Eddy) Fenner of Sheboygan, Mary (Robert) Fitzhugh of Sudbury, MA, Susan (Keith) Erdmann of New Holstein, Faye (Andrew) Bliese of Woodbury, MN, and Lisa (Kevin) Wells of Excelsior, MN; as well as his adopted daughter Mandi Fenner and many nieces, nephews, cousins, close friends.

Dan was preceded in death by his father, Donald; grandparents William and Leona (TerMaat) Fenner and Fredric and Rose (Mozetic) Melius; uncle Jim (Sharon) Fenner; aunt Lucille (Willard) Albrecht; and cousin Diane Albrecht Kuettel.

Dan was blessed with many incredible friends who supported him throughout his life. From those who helped him at home, to the community he built at bird shows, these friendships became a second family. Their care, kindness, and companionship brought him great joy and comfort.

He will be remembered for his big heart, endless conversations, devotion to family and farming, and his passion for fairs, livestock, and community.

A gathering time to celebrate his life and share stories will be held at Wenig Funeral Home in Sheboygan Falls (711 Broadway, Sheboygan Falls, WI 53085) on Saturday, September 27, 2025 from 2:00-5:00 pm.

Memorials in Dan’s name are appreciated to Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.

Wenig Funeral Home in Sheboygan Falls (920-467-3431) is honored to assist Dan’s family.