Francis Eugene FennertyFrancis Eugene Fennerty, 90, died February 19, 2016 in Green Valley, AZ. Francis, known as Frank, was born on May 22, 1925 in St. Louis, MO to Florence Patricia Fennerty (née O'Brien) and Augustus Michael Fennerty. He was the first of three children. Frank attended St. Louis University High School and recognized his Jesuit education as the most formative and impactful years of his life. He graduated in June, 1940 at the age of 15.Frank enrolled in college, finished his freshman year, and then joined the US
Army from 1943 - 1946. He resumed his education under the GI Bill and graduated with a BS in Geological Engineering from St. Louis University in 1949.Frank married Phyllis Claire Fitterer in Ellensburg, WA on September 10, 1949. He worked most notably at the US Geological Survey, before joining Peter Kiewit Sons Company (PKS,) in 1955. During his career at PKS, Frank managed large scale bridge, dam and road projects across the United States, many of which are still operated today. Frank received the first Peter Kiewit Award in 1981 For Excellence in Managing Construction and was the first President of Kiewit Eastern Division from 1982 - 1987.Over the course of several years and relocations, Frank and Phyllis raised seven children. Some of the most colorful family stories involve piling in the family wagon, sometimes driving all the way across the country, to the next PKS job Frank was on.After retirement, Frank and Phyllis traveled extensively and divided their time between Lake Kachess and Ellensburg, WA and Tucson, AZ.Phyllis died in 1993. Frank married Louise Danton in 1997. Frank and Louise spent the last decade of his life at the La Posada retirement village in Green Valley, AZ, and thoroughly enjoyed their life and friends there.Frank was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret Mary (Peggy) Rogers; son, Robert Fennerty; wife, Phyllis Fennerty; grandson, Sean Patrick Fennerty.Frank's greatest accomplishment was, without a doubt, his family. He is survived by his wife, Louise Fennerty of Green Valley, AZ; brother, Augustus Michael Fennerty of Astoria, OR; children, Francis (Kathi) Fennerty of Olympia, WA; Patricia (Jerry) Hein of Cle Elum, WA; Dr. M. Brian (Maureen) Fennerty of Portland, OR; John (Heather) Fennerty of Falls Church, VA; Daniel (Vickie) Fennerty of Ellensburg, WA; Mary (Kevin) Burns of Colorado Springs, CO; 16 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, and several nieces, nephews and other family members he remained close to. Frank will always be remembered as Himself. He was larger than life, an epic story teller and generous beyond measure. He was a devout Catholic and attended Mass daily. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of love, family and faith. His funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church in Green Valley, AZ on Thursday, February 25 at 10 a.m. He will be buried at the Holy Hope Cemetery in Tucson, AZ next to his wife, Phyllis.Donations in memory of Frank can be made to the Sgt. Sean Patrick Fennerty Fund at Jesuit High Foundation, 9000 SW Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, OR 97225 or to a charity of your choosing.
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