Gerald 'Gere' Fenstad Obituary Gerald Arthur Fenstad
Gerald "Gere" Fenstad, beloved husband, father, and grandfather passed away in Anoka, MN on July 15, 2024 at the age of 79 after a year-long battle with small cell carcinoma.
He was born June 24, 1945 in Minneapolis, MN, son of Orval and Vivian Fenstad. He attended Roosevelt High School. He received his Bachelors in Business Administration in St. Cloud, MN and later went on to study Health Care Administration at the University of MN.
Gere was tenacious, honest, loyal, ethical and dedicated in his personal and business dealings. He took pride in cutting through 'red tape' and disproving the phrase 'it can't be done.'
As a Health Care Aministrator he was a pioneer, innovator, and risk taker in the field of Senior Health Care, developing Medicare-certified health care programs, Senior Respite Care services, and six Senior Assisted Living facilities in the Twin Cities area. He was a shrewd investor in properties and a'numbers person' with an entrepreneurial spirit and visionary nature. Gere was able to enjoy many retirement years traveling the world and snow-birding in Florida. He was a 20-year member of the Wayzata Rotary Club and proud of many adventures, accomplishments, and philanthropic activities.
His love of family and friends was beyond reproach. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Gere maintained life-long relationships from grade school and beyond, hosting many social gatherings. He had a humorous, child-like nature with charisma and the 'gift of gab,' quick to strike up conversations with new and old acquaintances. He loved water and snow skiing, always up for a challendge to learn new 'fun' skills, whether it be scuba or sky diving. Gere will be dearly missed by all who knew him. His memory will ive on in the hearts of those he touched.
He is survived by his spouse of 18 years, Adaline "Addie" (Ternes) Fenstad; son Anthony (Beth) Fenstad; daughter, Heather Fenstad; grandchildren, Alyssa, Erika, and Gavin Fenstad; brother, Orval, Jr. (Margaret) Fenstad; sister, Cheryl (Jack) Barnes; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and beloved feline pets, Ginger and Scooter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, late wife of 36 years, Mary Jo (Dougherty) Fenstad, and sister Bonnie (Donald) David.
A private graveside Inurnment burial will be held at Crystal Lake Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN. Arrangements are entrusted to Mike Lee at David Lee Funeral Home, Wayzata, MN. To share a memory or condolence please visit his obituary at www.davidleefuneralhome.com
Geres Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, August 14th starting 3 PM CDT. The location is at Mississippi Crossings Event Center. The address is:
307 E. River Pkwy., Champlain, MN 55316.
The family would appreciate (though not mandatory) an RSVP text to 651-724-2414 for planning purposes as there will be heavy
hor doeuvres, dessert, beverages and adult beverages.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to to the charity of your choice or Country Manor Foundation at 520 First Street N.E., Sartell, MN 56377 or at www.countrymanorfoundation.org Please write Gere Fenstad Memorial in the memo.
Services
Celebration of Life
Wednesday
August 14, 2024
3:00 PM
Mississippi Crossings Event Center
307 East River Parkway
Champlain, MN 55316