John "Jud" Fennell

John Thomas Fennell, better known as "Jud" to his family and friends, was born July 1, 1919, at Philip, South Dakota, the son of Patrick John and Rose (Spevak) Fennell.

He grew up and received his elementary education in the Grindstone area, prior to graduating from Philip High School, where he played on the winning football team.  He then graduated from Chillicothe Business College in Chillicothe, Missouri, in 1939.

He was employed at the Douglas County Bank in Omaha, Nebraska, and later at Lockheed Aircraft Company in Burbank, California, for one and half years before entering the U.S. Air Force.  He was stationed with the 8th Air Force in England for most of his tour.  After his discharge, he returned to the Grindstone community where he farmed and ranched with his parents until they retired in October of 1947.  He played amateur baseball for several years.

Jud then moved to Rapid City where he worked for Northwestern Engineering and Knecht's Lumberyard before retiring from Barber Transportation in 1979 after 22 years of service.

Jud moved back to the Philip area in 1979 and continued his interst in the family farm while working part-time as a bookkeeper for Hanson's Super Valu, which later became known as Corky's Super Valu.

He was a member of the United Church, the VFW Post #3069, the Bad River Senior Citizens Center, and the Lake Waggoner Golf Association, all of Philip.  He was also a member of the Elks Lodge, the Kiwanis Club and the Toastmasters, all of Rapid City.  He was an enthusiastic and skilled football and baseball player, bowler and horseshoe thrower.  He also enjoyed country music, traveling, watching his wheat grow, and spending time with family and friends.

Grateful for having shared his life are his brother, Robert E. Fennell of Cocoa, Florida; his aunt, Edith "Babe" Fennell of Philip; a special friend, Pearl Fairchild of Philip; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Jud was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Grace Summerside.

A memorial has been established.

Services
Saturday, March 18, 2000
10:00 a.m.
United Church
Philip, South Dakota

Officiating
Pastor Don Lagge

Music
Pat Krogan - Organist
Vernon Burns - Vocalist
"Beyond the Sunset"
"How Great Thou Art"

Ushers
Dustin Fitzgerald - Jack Hansen

Active Pallbearers
Howard Kennedy - Corky Thorson
Leonard Thorson - David Fitzgerald
Larry Gabriel - John Knutson

Honorary Pallbearers
All relatives and friends in attendance

Interment
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Service Details

Services
Saturday, March 18, 2000
10:00 a.m.
United Church in Philip