Member of 'Minnesota Music Educators Hall of Fame' Dies at 86

Northfield resident Joseph R. Fennie died on Friday Aug. 23, 2013. He was 86.

Fennie was born and raised in Red Wing, according to his obituary on the Swift County Monitor-News. After graduating from high school in 1945 he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and entered service in the Pacific theater. After service he attended Winona State University, where he studied music and social studies.

Fennie was best known for his career teaching music, first in the small southern Minnesota town of Hayfield, then Starbuck, and finally as band director in Benson. There he helped to organize the West Central Band Festival and was voted onto the state board of the Minnesota Music Education Association (MMEA). In 1991, Fennie was inducted into the “Minnesota Music Educators Hall of Fame." 

Fennie retired from the Benson district after 20 years, then moved to Northfield. He stayed busy with retail jobs at Perman’s and Jim & Joe's in Faribault. 

Fennie is survived by his wife of 58 years, Audrey; daughter, Kristi Hayes and son, Jon Fennie; granddaughter, Kelly Smerdon; sister, Marion Nelson; and sister-in-law, Eileen Arvesen; also many other relatives and friends.

A memorial services is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2013, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Visitation is scheduled for one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will take place at Oakwood Cemetery in Red Wing.