Shortly before Christmas of 1991, I asked him the single most important question I would ever ask anybody: “Will you give me the hand of your daughter in marriage?”
Thankfully, Ken said…yes, he would. And so, with his blessing, I got down on one knee before Diane Therese Fenske on Christmas Eve. (She said yes, too.)
Diane’s dad, Ken Fenske, went home to heaven on Friday of last week.
He was one of the kindest and gentlest men I have ever come to know. Others-centered, positive, affable…and most importantly, a believer in Jesus. Diane, her mom and her sister Laurie spent a good deal of time writing a most thoughtful obituary. Read it here. And I’ll have more to say on Saturday.
Diane, the Fisher of Men
But one of the things that struck me as Ken was dying…was in fact about Diane. She was the first in her family to come to know Jesus, and eventually the entire Fenske clan (Dad; mom – Barb; sister – Laurie; and brother – Greg) would be Christ-followers.
The story goes that Diane invited her dad to an “Evidence that demands a verdict” conference with Josh McDowell not long after she herself had become a Christian. Ken had always been interested in spiritual things, but had never understood true Christianity. He accepted the invitation to the conference…and there said yes to the free gift of salvation offered in the gospel. Ken was never the same. Because that’s what Jesus does.
Sabbatical update
And by the way, if you’ve seen me around town or in church, in the good providence of God, our sabbatical in Florida turned into Sabbatical, part 1, and after two weeks here in the deep freeze, Sabbatical part 2 begins this coming Sunday as we head south again. The first three weeks were wonderful, FYI, filled with three B’s I love: books, bikes and beaches. But part 1 was missing the D I love even more – Diane, and I’m VERY GLAD she will be coming along for the last 8 weeks!
In all that is happening, we appreciate your prayers. But we have a hope that those outside of Christ can only dream of (1 Thessalonians 4:13). We will see our beloved Ken again.
I’m so thankful he said yes.
Entrusted with the Gospel 
JoAnn Karls
February 10, 2021 at 10:19 am
Blessings to you and your family. Please tell Diane I’m sorry to hear about her Dad’s passing. His going home is sad, I give my sympathy and his going home is a celebration I praise God with you.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Roger Knowlton
February 10, 2021 at 10:23 am
Thanks so much JoAnn!
LikeLike
Ed & Sharon Haydin
February 10, 2021 at 10:46 am
Sharon & I extend our condolences and joy! Condolence for the loss of Daily fellowship for Diane, yourself, the family, and joy for Ken himself on his entry into the presence of Christ!
Blessing on the remainder of your sabbath!💞
LikeLiked by 1 person
Roger Knowlton
February 10, 2021 at 12:28 pm
Thank you much, Ed and Sharon!
LikeLike
Penny Hansen
February 10, 2021 at 11:10 am
Sending hugs and prayers to the whole family as I know this is a very hard time. Though it is comforting to know where your loved one is, and that you will see him again, you still miss him. So sorry for your loss.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Roger Knowlton
February 10, 2021 at 12:29 pm
Thanks Penny! Greet your gang also!
LikeLike
Rande Drezdon
February 10, 2021 at 6:57 pm
So Sorry for Your Loss Diane ..
I remember meeting Him & Your Mother.
Along with Rogers Mom and Dad , One Thanks Giving . We all Made Home made Butter and Took turns Shaking the container and Saying What We Were Thankful For ! Your Oven Had Stopped Working !! It was such a Warm Beautiful Memory !! God Bless , Enjoy Your Sabbatical With Rog !! Peace .. ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Roger Knowlton
February 10, 2021 at 8:50 pm
Yes, Rande, I remember that Thanksgiving as well! A great time! Blessings on you brother!
LikeLike
Marty Schoenleber, Jr.
February 10, 2021 at 7:57 pm
Well done brother. Sorry for your bride and your loss. Have a great sabbatical.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Roger Knowlton
February 10, 2021 at 8:49 pm
Thank you my friend!
LikeLike
Veronica Ventrice
February 10, 2021 at 8:36 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying That His presence will comfort the temporary separation from your DAD.
Praying you Sabbatical will be a Sabbatical.
Love in Christ
Veronica
LikeLiked by 1 person
Roger Knowlton
February 10, 2021 at 8:49 pm
Thank you Veronica! Hope you are doing well!
LikeLike