Lee F. Fenendael

Lee F Fenendael, a gifted photographer and musician, and devoted family man, passed away at his home, on December 18, 2025 at the age of 81.

Throughout his life, Lee had a remarkable eye for beauty and a deep love for music. Through his photography, he captured moments that told lasting stories, and through his music, he brought joy, comfort, and connection to those around him. His creativity was not just a talent, but a way he shared his heart with the world.

Above all else, Lee cherished his family. He was a loving father to his children and a proud grandfather who delighted in every moment spent with his grandchildren. His curiosity, humor, and unwavering love will continue to live on through them.  Hopefully his disregard for safety will not.

Lee was born at the family farmhouse in Luxemburg, Wisconsin, on March 21, 1944. He attended a one room schoolhouse, U.S.Grant, and later Luxemburg Public Schools.  A self-taught musician, he made many friends during his years performing with an area band “Sound Foundation” and later as a solo act “Lee at the Keys.”  He was also well known in the photography community, as a professional and artistic photographer.  He was a past president of the Oshkosh Photography Club, and held memberships in Rural Rembrandts Art Club and Town Square Photography Group.  He was a longtime supporter of the Friends of the Ripon Library, the ACLU, and a number of area historical societies.  He was also an informal student of European history and Christian religions.

He married Diane on July 16, 1988.  He was the proud father of Debra and Kathy and step-father to Greg and Darren Wagner.  Besides the children of Deb and Kathy, he also had what he sometimes called his “bonus grandchildren.”  He thought the world of all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren and they, in turn, thought the world of their Grandpa Lee.

Besides his wife, Diane, he leaves behind his children; Debra (Mike) Tendick and Kathy (Dean) Steffen; step-children, Greg (Carrie) Wagner and Darren (Candie Webster) Wagner; grandchildren, Jacob, Elsa and Gabriel Steffen and Emrianna and Daxon Tendick; step-grandchildren, Marissa (Danny) Kasuboski, Tom Wagner, Brianne Page, Tony (Lexi) Wagner, Madalyn (Nick) Cattanach, and Sam Wagner; four great-grandchildren, Raelynn, Atlas, Avery and Eli; sisters, Christine Fenendael and Carolyn Fenendael; sister-in-law, Karen Fenendael; and many nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him deeply.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert, who died in infancy, his father Clifford J. Fenendael in 1968, his mother Francis Kipp Fenendael in 2012, his brother Clifford G. “Bud” Fenendael in 2008 and brother-in-law Mark Kupper in 2021.

A Celebration of Lee’s Life will be held at a later date. Divine Passage Funeral Home in Ripon is proudly serving the family. Divinepassagefunerals.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be directed to Friends of the Ripon Library, 120 Jefferson St. Ripon, WI 54971.

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