Robert " Bob " Harry Fennern

Robert H. Fennern 89, of Ventura, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 1, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.

Robert was born August 26, 1928, in Avoca, Iowa, to Harry and Evelyn Fennern. The oldest of 10 children, Robert left school at an early age to help out on the family farm. His strong work ethic started there and carried throughout his entire life. In his early life, Robert worked in construction and in his own trucking business.

He was a Marine Corp veteran, serving in both WWll and the Korean War. During his second stint in the Marine Corp “Bob” learned to operate heavy equipment, a trade that served him well the rest of his life. He was a proud member of Operating Engineers Local 12 from 1957 until his retirement in 1989.

In 1952, Bob married widow Mary Ann Peterson, and gained an instant family with her two small daughters, Claudette and Kathy. They added to their family with two children of their own, Joyce and Kelvin. Robert was a devoted family man.

Together the family moved from Iowa to California in 1957, first living in Santa Barbara, and then adopting Ventura as their hometown in 1964. Robert and Mary Ann made many wonderful memories as their family grew up and expanded in Ventura.

In his retirement, Robert and Mary Ann, along with their yorkies, Peanut and Tank enjoyed immensely traveling throughout the United States in their RV, visiting their family and exploring all that this country has to offer. Robert loved his yearly fishing trips to Bishop, CA and always looked forward to frequent trips to Laughlin.

He was well known in his neighborhood as he could be seen daily riding his bicycle with his faithful companion Tank in his basket. His Tank was with him until the end.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Richard, Marvin, Jack and Jon, and infant sister Lila.

He will be dearly missed by his wife of 65 years, Mary Ann; his children, Claudette Clinton (Jack), Kathy Peterson, Joyce Kountz (Ken), Kelvin Fennern (Debbie); brother, Donnie; sisters, Joane, Jeanette and Mary Lou; grandchildren, David, Jonathan, Michael, Rebecca, Joni, Devon, Erica, Brian and Danny; and11 great-grandchildren. Our family was blessed to have had this precious man as our example. He will not be forgotten.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, January 7, 2018, from 1-4pm, in the Chapel at Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Services will be held on Monday, January 8, 2018, 11am, at the same location, followed by interment at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, in Ventura, CA.

Because of Bob’s great love of animals, in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Humane Society of Ventura County, 402 Bryant Street, Ojai, CA 93023

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA 93003. Condolences may be sent to TedMayrFuneralHome.com.