Caroline E. (Theel) Fenske, 102, a longtime resident of the Elgin area, passed away on Sunday, October 29, 2017 at Golden Living East in Rochester.

Caroline was born July 30, 1915 to Otto R. and Josephine (Rieple) Theel on the family farm in rural Rochester in Marion Township. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Rochester, and attended Trinity Lutheran School in Rochester. On January 4, 1935, Caroline married Walter L. Fenske in Princeton, Missouri. Together they farmed in several rural locations of Rochester, Plainview and Elgin, Minnesota. During that time they raised 3 children.

Caroline always had a big garden and raised chickens for eating and eggs. She loved the farm life. In later years she truly enjoyed playing cards, especially Pinoccle. She enjoyed Elgin Senior Citizen activities, and was an honorary member of the Trinity Guild Ladies' Aid at her church. She also attended Adult Bible Study at her church where she was always full of questions and answers. Caroline loved to bake and cook, and was very good at it. She also was known for her talent at writing poetry. It came very natural to her and many of her poems were published in the local newspapers.

Caroline is survived by one son, Russell W (Sandra) Fenske of Elgin, and two daughters, Delores Cowden of Pine Island, and Bonnie Koenig of Cannon Falls. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 10 step great-grandchildren, 19 great-great grandchildren, and 7 step great-great grandchildren, and 1 great-great-great-grandchild, along with many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents (Otto and Josephine), her husband (Walter), 3 brothers (Richard, Martin, and Herman), and 2 sisters (Alvina Borgan and Emilie Kaveleske), and 2 sons-in-law (Claude Cowden and Gordon Koenig).

The funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 2, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elgin. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Plainview Chapel and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church or Trinity Lutheran Church Ladies Aide.