Karl Fennig

Karl Lewis Fennig, age 86, rural Portland, passed away peacefully at home on Feb. 19, 2025. 

He was born in Muncie, Indiana, on May 9, 1938, the son of Herman F. and Marybelle (McGuire) Fennig. He was a 1957 Madison High School graduate and lifetime resident of Jay County.

Karl spent his entire adult life in the timber business as a logger and timber buyer. He also owned and operated a sawmill in Portland during the 1960s. He was well known for his vast experience and expertise in the timber business.

He worked for Freeman Corp. and Indiana Veneer and retired from Frank Miller Lumber Company in 1999. After retirement, he began operating a sawmill on the farm doing custom sawing.

His hobbies included raising horses and mules, tinkering in his shop and playing music. He was a member and director of the Tri-State Gas Engine and Tractor Association. Other memberships include Portland Eagles Lodge, The Percheron Draft Horse Association, Circle X Riders and Jay County Trail Riders.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 44 years, Jody (Krahulec); children Karl Steven Fennig of Redkey, Sharon Rose Hiatt (husband: Eric) of Ridgeville, Jewel Ann Hardymon (husband: Randy) of Portland, Mark Allen Fennig (wife: Joann) of Union City and David Brian Fennig of Carrollton, Kentucky; his first wife and mother of his children Naomi (Gaston) Kramer of Eaton, Ohio; stepchildren Todd Detro (wife: Susie) of Ridgeville and Luann Detro of Ridgeville; brothers Michael Fennig (wife: Brenda) of Union City and Joseph Fennig (wife: Kathleen) of Portland; sisters Mary Gluff (husband: Howard) of Muncie and Madeline Hays Lewis of Texas; 14 grandchildren; 49 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his brother John L. Fennig (Liz Gatewood).

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at 11 a.m. in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Turner presiding. Burial will follow in the Bluff Point Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday from 3 to 7 p.m. and Tuesday an hour prior to the services. 

Memorials can be made to Southern Care Hospice.

Condolences may be expressed at bairdfreeman.com.