Gladys Mae Fenske

Gladys M. Fenske (Smith), age 79 of Ottertail, MN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at Perham Living.

She was born on November 20, 1945 in Eagle Bend, MN to Leslie and Edna (Miller) Smith. After completing her general education, Gladys attended school at Wadena Tech with a focus on accounting and bookkeeping.

Gladys spent four years working as a bookkeeper for the Northern Co-op. It was here she met her future husband, Orville Fenske, while he was delivering feed to the Co-op. The couple were united in marriage on November 15, 1969 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ottertail. After their marriage, Gladys then began working on the family farm, often taking over milking duties for Orville when he was called out for the Ottertail Fire Department. She also enjoyed tending to her flower gardens when she was able, and spending time with her family and friends.

Surviving Gladys are her husband, Orville; son, Brian Fenske; and sisters, Judy Van Hee and LaVonne Hansen. She is preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Michelle Fenske; son, Terry Fenske; sister, Betty Jewell; brother, Herbert Smith; and brothers-in-law, Ed Hansen, Greg Van Hee, and Calvin Jewell.

Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed by the Memorial Service at 11:00 on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Ottertail, MN. Interment will take place at the church cemetery.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com