"Sandy, I am so very sorry for the loss of your best friend.Mara, so sorry for the loss of your father. I knew Karl for over 25 years and cannot remember a time he wasn't smiling.A total shock to hear the news of his passing. They say that time heals all wounds. What they don't say is how to get through the time. I will keep all you guys in my prayers. Mike Pritchard"
In loving memory of
Karl Fenske
July 28, 1955 - July 3, 2019
Karl Paul Fenske, age 63, of Winona, passed away unexpectedly on July 3rd, 2019. Karl was born on July 28th, 1955, in Winona, MN to Marvin and Carol (Werner) Fenske. He graduated from Winona Senior High in the Class of 1973.
Karl lived life to the fullest. He started his nearly 35-year racing career when he was just 16 years old. Throughout those years, he held many track championships in the area. His style of racing was one to be reckoned with. When "Kwik Karl" pulled onto the track with his eye-catching red and white #99, fans were guaranteed a night of excitement. Fellow racers, however, were faced with fierce competition.
His motto: "I'm not driving fast-Just flying low!" And that he did. He left a legacy for all who knew him.
Karl worked many years alongside his father, Marvin, at Fenske Auto Body and Auto Sales. His talent and skill in the business were well known and highly sought after. He had an eye for detail and a drive for perfection.
He will be remembered for his larger-than-life personality, contagious laugh, kind heart, and his legendary racing career. He touched so many lives and was a hero to so many people.
Karl is survived by the love of his life Sandy (Egland) Fenske, daughter Mara, sons Michael and Mitchell (Erin) Fenske, grandson Jaxon, mother Carol, sisters Christy Fenske and Dawn (Jeff) Thompson, brother Derrick Fenske, nieces and nephews Alaisha Rank, Preston Fenske, Shauna Fenske, and Jeffrey Thompson, along with his beloved furry family.
He is also survived by aunt Lorraine Johnson, uncles Ted and Ralph Fenske, Don (Julie) Werner, and Robert (Ruth) Werner. He is preceded in death by his father, Marvin Fenske.
A Celebration of his Life will be 11 a.m., Saturday, July 13, 2019 at Hoff Celebration of Life Center - Goodview. Visitation will be 9 a.m., until the time of the service. A reception will follow at the American Legion, 302 E Sarnia, Winona.
** THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND - FLY HIGH #99 **
Hoff Celebration of Life Center - Goodview is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory of Karl, sign his online guestbook and view his video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tributes
"I,m saddened to hear about the passing of my friend ..today... there just are no words to exprees how deeply sorry I am. many memories buddy...love yah"
"Sandy, Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time of loss. Hugs to you from CA, Doreen & Fuzzy"
"Sandy, We are thinking of you during this painful time! Our deepest condolences to you. Love you?"
"To the family and friends of Karl- We are so very sorry for your loss! Mara- our hearts go out to you and there just are no words to express how deeply sorry we are. Love you so much!! "
"So sorry for your loss,our thoughts and prayers to the family"
"So sorry to hear about Karl?s death. We had many good times racing together. My sincere sympathy to all of you for your loss. Clarence (Butch) and Mary Oertel, Marshfield, Wi."
"Our deepest sympathy for Stan(Boots) and Wendy Langowski. Keep the good memories in your heart."
"My heart goes out to you, Sandy! My deepest condolences to you and all of Karl?s family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss! Take care?"
"So sorry for your loss Sandy....Karl was bigger than life even in high school.....our class had the great ones. Sending you comfort and strength."
"I was so very sorry to hear of Karl's passing. I have not seen him since he was in high school, but what a great guy he was. Sounds like a life well lived, though way too short. My sympathy to his mom, Carol, Kristi, Dawn, and Derek. Becky (Barth) Grochowski"
"Bet he shoved and pushed his way into the Pearly Gates so he could beat any other sontenders . The checkered flag has waved and he's in God's hands now. He'll be missed by all those that knew him. Our sympathy, Sandy and just know that you made a big difference in his life. Love and prayers. Clyde, Lyle, Pat Hinrichs, Missy Lushinsky"
"I don?t even know where to begin or what to say. I am in utter shock. I have known Karl and Sandy and the whole Fenske family for many years. I love all of you very much. I know Karl loved Sandy and kids and family with all his being and the memories will live on forever. He was a kind gentle man with a big heart. He always had a smile on his face. You will be missed my friend. "
"I really never met you but seeing you at Hyvee all the time....My brothers ?.The Weaver Boys....told me you were a great guy...they watched you race all the time.....then showed me a picture......One of the same....the Hyvee Guy....May God give you a Good resting place....The Hatten's"
"Sandy, I am so sorry for your unexpected loss. To think that we visited the last time at Brenda's funeral at Hoff. My thoughts and prayers are with you for peace and comfort"
"Karl had such a huge personality and presence. Very entertaining guy to be around. We'll miss his charisma. Our hearts go out to all his loved ones."
"Thanks for the good memories. Our time with our daughter. She loves her dad and always looked up to you. She was such a daddy's girl for sure! Always had hugs and kisses for her Dad. You know we'll always take good care of her, and she will always be looking up to you in heaven!"
"Our condolences to you Sandy and the Fenske family on the passing of Karl. May our friendship and prayers ease you through this difficult time."
"We are so sorry to hear about Karl, he will be missed by many. Hold your memories near. "
"Our deepest sympathy to Sandy and the Fenske family. He was definitely one of a kind and never forgot to visit when we saw him. RIP Karl. I will miss our chats on messenger. It was fun watching you grow up. Love, Bob and Janet Wieczorek "
"My sympathies to Karl's family and friends. Memories from the East side as kids snow sliding on the dike and Karl's expertise when he did bodywork on my car 30 years later. He is remembered fondly."
"our prayers and thoughts are with the fenske family ,,at this time of sorrow hugs "
"Bob and Trudy Hahn extend their thoughts and prayers to the family. We have many memories of Karl (most of them fond) from our time running River Raceways. God Bless"
"Love you pops! Fly high & rest easy. So very sorry for your loss Sandy & family!! Xo ? "
"RIP Karl. I?ll keep an eye on those gas prices for you! "
"My heart breaks for all of you...the suddenness of this transition from earthly walks to cloud walks...and memories held tight. Find solace in the sweetnesses you shared. Find comfort in knowing so many loved him and he loved boldly. Take each day now held in a quiet hug of friendship from so many who care. Blessings my friends, Pj"
"To My old Pal Karl: I will never forget you Buddy we had lots of good times through the years you will be sadly missed Love ya Buddy Fly like an eagle ?"
"Hell of a wheelman, great sense of humor and fondly hated by many race fans, I can?t tell you how many times I defended him . If he were here I?m sure he would tell you who coined him Kwik Karl. Gonna miss him . "
"I remember spending as many Friday nights as we could at River Raceways while growing up to cheer Karl on and to ride on the back of his car around the track after the races. Wrapping my arms around Sandy, Mara, Mike, Mitch and Dawn to help keep those memories close to your hearts. Love you cuz!!! I'm going to miss you! Donna Werner Brevig"
"Thoughts with Karls Family "
"I?m so sorry for your loss Sandy and family, I remember Karl from back in the racing days when he raced along side of my husband Jim Schell, May he RIP"
"Words can't wipe away your tears. Hugs won't ease your pain. But hold onto your memories. Forever they will remain. Our hearts are broken. We are thinking of all of you at this painful time. Love Kent & Darla Grover"
"Our Deepest Sympathy To Sandy And The Fenske Family. You Are All In Our Thoughts And Prayers. "
",.Sandy, we are so sorry for your loss. you are in my thoughts all the time. "
"Just had to be fast at everything you big lug. Thanks for the memories and he's yours now God. Sure he'll be trying to change things there too.. My condolances to the Fenske family. Wish I could say Rest In Peace but I doubt it..R.I.P. My Friend."
"Sandy, I am so very sorry for your loss. Makes me wish we would have reconnected after high school. My heart goes out to you."
"Karl was a great guy heart of of gold we enjoyed the times we spent with him Claudia and dan johnson"
"Ps Buddy Can You send Me A sign When the Restore Has Good Sales & Deals ???"
"Our Hearts Are Broken, Sandy We are So sorry ??? Karl was one Of Kind??? He lived Life,He Loved Giving Us Crap, But in the end Always Told Al & I Don't worry about what others Say or Think Live life Be Happy And A little F word Here & there! Racing For Life #99 Heaven Got one Of The Best! Heidi & Al Bagniewski "
"So very sorry to hear of Karl's passing our thoughts and prayers go out to the Fenske family god bless...."
"Our deepest sympathy goes out to Sandy and the family. My memories will never be forgotten. Years of racing on your pit crew Celebrating many championships and your attitude to never settle for second place always go for the win. Many friendships where made threw you and my racing experiences. Your loud voice and big heart will never be forgotten. May you rest in piece till we meet again. Spooner "
"So sorry for your loss Sandy."
"Condolences to family and friends. So sorry to hear of his passing. Many fond memories of teenage adventures with Karl and friends: fishing/camping at Money Creek, chasing about in his Chevelle, hanging out on the Mississippi River sand bars and jumping off the old wagon bridge into the river. While we always seemed to splatter on the water, Karl would execute a perfect dive! R.I.P. Karl Jim Hohmeister"
"Our deepest sympathies to the Fenske family. Treasure the memories with your loved one, they last forever."
"Gone to soon but not forgotten I will miss seeing your face at Hyvee every morning and having breakfast ,cup of coffee, reading the paper and watching tv "
"So Sad to have to read this about my Dear Friend May God provide the Best for you in Heaven you deserve it My Deepest Sympathies to the Fenske Family God has you in his arms Love ya ?"
"Karl we will miss your crazy laughter . Hugs and prayers to all the Fenski family."
"Karl I?ll miss the words Hold my breakfast till 10:59 Last minute before breakfast closed,And We DID!! HY VEE is really going to MISS YOU! You knew where the remote was for the TV and you would watch those game shows! I?ll Miss You!! God has you now"..don?t forget to visit....."
"My deepest sympathy to the Fenske family may god be with you through this trying time love to all ,Debbie and Rick wieczorek "