Walter William Fenstra, age 76 of Jim Falls, Wisconsin; formerly of Woodville died unexpectedly Friday November 18, 2011 at his home. Walter was born on March 21, 1935 in DeGraff, Minnesota; the son of John Henry and Bessie Mae (Pierson) Fenstra. He was raised in DeGraff where he worked on the family farm and attended school. As a young man, he enlisted in the armed forces and proudly served in the United States Army. Prior to his honorable discharge, he would meet the former Sandra Dureen Campbell. The two would be united in marriage on July 21, 1958. This union would be blessed with four children whom he loved dearly. Walter worked thirty years for the Ford Motor Company in St. Paul. He began in assembly, worked his way up to  a fork lift driver and also loaded cars onto the railcars. Eventually he finished up his career at Ford as a stock checker. Although he enjoyed his time at Ford, he took great pleasure from farming on their land south of Woodville for many years. Earlier in life he enjoyed working, farming, buying and selling almost anything, hunting, fishing, playing cards and spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. In the later years he loved to talk on the phone with his friends and family and watch various sporting events but his greatest love came from his family, and spending time with his great grandchildren.

Walter will be sadly missed by his wife Sandra, children Chuck (Sue) Fenstra of Crosby, MN, Tim Fenstra of Glenwood City, Sue Hegre of Jim Falls, Lisa Premo (Barry “Cub” Nesja) of Chippewa Falls, grandchildren Charlie Fenstra, Kari Fenstra, Amber Premo, Alisha Premo (Josh Lequia), Andrew (Stephanie) Premo, Alex Premo, Aimee Premo, Avery Premo, Heather Hegre, Sunnie Picotte, Geri Jean Balie, Ben Nesja, Ty Nesja, great grandchildren Frances Jo Fenstra, Drake Dollarhyde, Chareti Mae Premo, Carter Premo, Shaila Lequia, and son-in-law Randy Hegre. He is further survived by his siblings Howard (Donna) Fenstra of Spokane, WA, Betty (Merlin) Skarsten of Golden Valley, MN, Margaret (Arnie) Tollefson of Atlanta, GA, and Elizabeth (Jay) Rippenberger of Dentin, TX. He is also survived by his sister-in-laws, Mary Ann (Bill) Coleman of Las Vegas, Phylis Fenstra (Harold) of Wilmar, MN and lifetime friend of family, Nissy (August) Langenbau of Stewart, MN, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents John and Bessie Fenstra and sister Grace Kent, as well as brothers Harold, Henry and Robert Fenstra. 

Funeral service for Walter Fenstra will be 1:00 PM Wednesday November 23 at Wilson Lutheran Church in Wilson with Pastor Doug Brandt officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with active casketbearers being Basil Campbell, Jerry Campbell Jr., Charlie Fenstra, Andrew Premo, Alex Premo, Brian Skarsten, John Kent, Doug Fenstra, Rick Lee, and Josh Lequia while Duane Midtling, Leroy Kausman, Cecil Martin, Ray Nelson, Al Radunzel, and Mike Campbell served as honorary casketbearers. Full military honors will be provided by the Woodville American Legion Post #301.  Visitation will be on Tuesday from 4 until 7 PM at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Baldwin as well as one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are preferred.