Dieter R. Fenkl, 75, passed away at Ascension-All Saints on Monday, January 9, 2023.  He was born in Ansbach, Germany, on May 1, 1947, the son of the late Alois "Louie" and Katharina "Karin" (née: Nickerl) Fenkl.  He immigrated to the U.S. in 1955 at the age of eight.

After graduating from Washington Park High School, Class of '66, Dieter entered the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.  On August 15, 1970, at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, he was united in marriage with Roberta Tilidetzke, who was his childhood sweetheart since the second grade.  Dieter was employed by Twin Disc for over 42 years, retiring in Summer 2015.  He was a member of the Deutscher Manner Verein and the Twin Disc 20 Year Club.  Dieter enjoyed classic cars, golfing, bowling, watching TV with his family, trips to Las Vegas, and doing scratch off lottery tickets.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Roberta; children, Richard (Jennifer) of Racine, Michael (Paula) Fenkl of Kenosha, Kevin (Kristan) Fenkl, Kristy (Shane) Rangel, and Brian (Danielle) Fenkl, all of Racine; grandchildren, Elizabeth (Randy) Sorensen, Stephani (Edsel) Cruz, Rhonda (Tyler Townsend) Rangel, Jacob Fenkl, Savannah Fenkl, Trevor Rangel, Zander Rangel, Cole Rangel, Charlotte Fenkl, and Aidan Fenkl; great-grandchildren, Derrick Sorensen, Rylee Sorensen, Leo Cruz, Presley Cruz, and Ryane Cruz; brothers, Eric "Rick" (Stan Pierce) Fenkl and Ronald (Cari) Fenkl; his four-legged girls, Tasha, Tera, and Tanya.  Nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends also survive him.  In addition to his parents, Dieter was preceded in death by an infant daughter Michelle, brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Sharon Fenkl, and father-in-law and mother-in-law Robert and Alice Tilidetzke.

Service Details

In keeping with his wish, a private memorial service was held.