Obituary: Kenneth Howard Feneley

Kenneth Howard Feneley, of Clare, Michigan, passed on peacefully December 26, 2023, at Midland Hospital’s Compassionate Care Suite surrounded and supported by his daughters.
His wonderful life on earth began December 10, 1936, when he was born at home in Engadine, Michigan (Millecoquins Lake), to Douglass and Emma (Krause) Feneley. Youth and childhood found him playing baseball, working at the family lumber mill, and the Krause family farm, fishing, and hanging around with his 2 younger brothers, older sister, and friends. He joined the school band, choosing the trombone where he found his love, passion, and direction that led to his fabulous career.
Ken graduated from Engadine High School in 1954 then attended Northern Michigan University for 2 years and transferred to Central Michigan University where he obtained his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1958. His first teaching position was in Mackinaw City where he met the vivacious Judith Strong McCarthy, and they married on April 30, 1960. After teaching for one year in his hometown of Engadine, he returned to CMU as a graduate assistant to Norman C. Dietz, Director of Bands, and completed his Master of Arts degree in 1961, and then taught one year in Gladwin.
From 1962-67, Ken led wonderful young bands at Mt. Pleasant Junior High School. In 1967, he was recruited by Lloyd Conley to take on the role of High School Band Director in Clare, where he had a distinguished 26-year career. Ken’s bands consistently achieved Superior ratings at both the District and State levels and were honored to perform at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association’s annual Midwestern Conference in 1973 and 1974. In 1974, he was voted by the MSBOA membership to be its Teacher of the Year, a prestigious honor.
Statewide, Ken was well-known and respected as an exemplary musician, teacher, and adjudicator. Over the years, he mentored dozens of CMU student teachers who went on to have successful careers of their own. His humor and humanity endeared him to his students, colleagues, friends, and everyone he encountered. Post-retirement he traveled throughout Northern Michigan working as a school service representative for the Marshall Music Company and, in this capacity, he continued to touch the lives of teachers and students. He was “instrumental” in the formation of the Gateway Community Band, which he directed for several years. Most recently, he could be found performing as a member of the trombone section.
Throughout his life, Ken maintained close relationships with neighbors, band parents, former students and student teachers, as well as his entire family. He was truly loved by all, and cherished the visits, letters, and emails that he received. He certainly has left the world a better place and will be missed by all.
Ken is survived by his daughters, Margaret (Mark) VanHoose of Lake Ann, Betsy Feneley (Mark Malanyn) of Barton City, Jennifer Feneley of Ypsilanti, and his beloved canine companion, Cassie. His grandchildren are Sydney (Chris) Sawyer, Emily Parrish, and Dan Parrish, and his great grandchildren are Andersen and Isabella Sawyer. He is also remembered by his in-laws Theresa Feneley, Ginny McCarthy, and Kenneth St. Charles, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Feneley, along with his parents, Doug and Emma Feneley, and sisters and brothers, Joanne and brother-in-law Ted Kisabeth, Patrick Feneley, Ross Feneley, and Peggy St. Charles.
Visitation will be Friday, January 12, 2024, at the Clare Chapel of Stephenson-Wyman Funeral Home from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm. His Celebration of Life will be held at the Clare United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 1 pm.
In lieu of flowers, his family requests that you consider a donation to the Clare Public School’s Band Program. On-line condolences may be left at www.stephenson-wyman.com