**Please Note**
The Funeral Service begins at 11:00 a.m. but will begin broadcasting at 10:45 a.m.
Henry D. Fenton, 68, passed away on Monday, March 22 at St. Peter’s Health in Helena due to complications from COVID 19.
Henry was born in Butte on January 18, 1953 to Henry and Irene (Jasnoch) Fenton. He attended St. Ann’s grade school and graduated from Butte Central in 1971. He attended Carroll College and the University of Montana getting his bachelor’s degree in business and accounting. Accounting was Henry’s passion. He started his career in Bakersfield, CA and after a short time moved to Billings before settling in Helena. He earned his CPA certificate and ran his own accounting business in Helena crunching numbers for many a client. At the time of his death, he was working for Family Outreach Services.
You can take the boy out of Butte but you can’t take Butte out of the boy. Henry made many visits to Butte attending the numerous festivals that took place with St. Patrick’s Day being one of his favorites. He loved the trips with friends when they would attend an NFL game especially if it was to watch his beloved Green Bay Packers. Henry enjoyed watching the Helena Brewers baseball team and had just recently told his sister how he would like to visit Arizona one day and go to spring training.
Henry’s hobbies included softball, golf, and reading. He had a huge passion for history, as the many, many books he collected over the years would attest. He was interested in reading biography’s about almost anyone and books on the history of his hometown were among his favorites.
We are going miss Henry’s simplicity and quite mannerisms. He was a great brother and uncle to his family. He was truly a fantastic human being whom we loved deeply.
Henry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jim, and nieces Debbie and Dawn Fenton. He is survived by brothers and sisters-in laws David and Maureen Fenton, Brenham Texas, Bernard (Johnny) and Nancy Fenton, Marble CO., and Dianne Fenton, Green River, WY. Sister and brother-in-law Mary and Ted Spanbauer, Anaconda. Surviving nieces and nephews Diane (Steve) Richmond, Denise Woods, Dannielle (Ron) Bolan, Jim Fenton, William Fenton, Ryan (Kim) Spanbauer, Kim Spanbauer, and Emily (Terry) Jones. Also surviving are numerous grand and great-grand nieces and nephews.
Services for Henry will be held on Monday, March 29th at 11:00 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, Helena with visitation starting at 10:00. He will be laid to rest on Tuesday, March 30th at 1:00 in Mountain View Cemetery in Butte. Memorials can be made in honor of Henry to the James Lee Fenton endowment fund care of Montana Tech or donor’s choice.
We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to the doctors and staff at St. Peter’s Health for the compassionate care given to Henry over the last couple of weeks. You went above and beyond and are truly heroes during these difficult times.
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m.
Monday March 29, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 29, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday March 29, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 30, 2021
Mountain View Cemetery
3910 Harrison Avenue
Butte, Montana 59701
Service Schedule
Viewing
10:00 a.m.
Monday March 29, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday March 29, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Monday March 29, 2021
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Graveside Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday March 30, 2021
Mountain View Cemetery
3910 Harrison Avenue
Butte, Montana 59701
Share
Carmen Bartholomew says
Dear Fenton Family,
It is with great sorrow that I received news of Henry’s passing. You may think that this is a voice from the past and indeed it is, but what you may not know is that Henry and I shared many a visit on St. Patrick’s Day in the Elk’s catching up on the news of family. He was a kind and gentle soul that made me laugh with his dry humor. In the neighborhood I remember baseball games in the lot , ice cream on the back porch, My Dad teasing that Henry should not talk to much, and of course many playtime minutes lost looking for Mary and Carol. As you may know Phil is living in the family home now. Often when I visit I will think of all of you and the old neighborhood. My prayers are with you, As always Carmen Madrazo Bartholomew
Billie Miller says
To the Fenton Family,
I barely knew Henry. He did occasional accounting work where I worked years ago. We didn’t have much contact, but sometimes we’d pass in the hall. He was shy, and always friendly. And, if I was doing something like moving a table, Henry would always offer to help as he stepped in to assist without waiting for me to accept his offer. He was a gentle presence. I am sorry for your loss.
Anne Herzog says
My deepest condolences to the Fenton Family during this sorrowful time. I’ve worked with Henry these past two years. He was my righthand man in the accounting department and I’m not sure how I’m going to manage without him. His presence will be greatly missed in the office and when having the occasional after hours beverage.
Rest In Peace, Henry.
Jackie Mohler says
Thinking of Henry, and wishing his family hope in the midst of sorrow, comfort in the midst of pain. The loss of Henry is felt by many, I’ve worked with Henry for almost 13 years. May the memories of his quiet personality and many contributions be celebrated by all. Henry will be in our hearts and memories.
Emma Lambert says
While I only worked with Henry for a few months, I always enjoyed when we were able to chat about the weekend or whatever he was into baking at the time. May the Packers have a record season– until they play the Seahawks that is 😉 We’ll all miss you Henry!
Annette Baird says
I knew Henry from being on the Board at Family Outreach. He owned his own accounting firm and would conduct our audits, then after retirement, we were lucky enough to have Henry join our staff. Henry was always good natured and friendly. We will miss having as part of the team.
His friends and family will remain in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry you had to say goodbye to such a great guy way too soon. I hope your memories will bring you comfort.
Annette Baird, Family Outreach Board Member
Judy Nicholes says
Our thoughts, prayers and love for the Fenton family at this sad time. Love, Mike and Judy
jack obrien says
I never forgot and never will forget my friend Henry Fenton though it has been over half a century since we saw one another. We went through grade-school and high-school as classmates. Worked on a school assignment together (Henry saved my bacon on that assignment). Henry Fenton was one of the nicest, kindest, most polite individuals I met in my entire life. I exchanged emails with him a while back. I had hoped to see him again.
God bless Henry. God please bless and comfort Dave and Bernie and Mary and families.
Henry you are the best.
– jack obrien
Chick Rolling says
As a past member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of the Lewis & Clark Area we engaged Henry Fenton for our annual audits for many years. This was a tribute to his professionalism, accounting knowhow–especially the non-profit sector–and thoroughness in meeting our needs. We relied on Henry’s efforts to keep the UW “in good standing” for our contributors, sponsored agencies and local community; Henry was able to help us meet that commitment. A professional connection is not the same as a personal one but we would be remiss not to feel and acknowledge his loss. We share, with others, our condolences to his family and friends.
Betsy Altenburg says
Fenton Family –
I am so sorry for your loss. Henry’s sudden demise came as a shock to me. I will never forget the neighbor family. It seems like yesterday he was giving us a ride or wondering what we were up to. Henry was one of nicest, soft spoke, and gentle souls that I have ever meet. I don’t think their is a person that could say a bad word about Henry.
I am thinking of your family during this time.
Hugs and Prayers – Love Betsy Altenburg
Gino Dunfee says
Henry did audits for the State Bar for many years. He was always professional, kind and very helpful. My condolences to his family during this time of sorrow. May your memories hold him forever in your heart.
Sincerely,
Gino Dunfee
Rudy Tomich says
My condolences and prayers to the family in the loss of Henry. I had the privilege of meeting Henry through some mutual friends. I found him to be one of the nicest, polite, and courteous person I have ever met. My son and I especially enjoyed running into him at Brewer’s games. The world has definitely lost a good one.
Ray Hofland says
I was a member of a fantasy baseball league with Henry for over 20 years. He was knowledgeable about major league players. If you listened when he said something you realized he had insightful and fun comments about some of those players. Our league will miss him.
Leanne Swanson says
Sending our love and prayers. Grateful to have shared a few Thanksgivings with Henry. Beautiful tribute to a life well lived! Love, John & Leanne
Randy Bradley says
‘Coach H’ was a fine man who Roni and I are proud to have known for most of our lives. He truly enjoyed a good beer and a good story, many of which we shared around campfires at our annual rendezvous on the Missouri River. We still enjoy his special “Poteca” recipe handed down from the old country! Will always have wonderful memories of soft ball years and golf rounds with The Coach! R.I.P. Henry.
Rhonda Lindquist says
Sending prayers to Henry’s family. I had the opportunity to work with Henry at Famly Outreach. He was caring, funny and very smart. I always learned from him. Peace Rhonda Lindquist
Joseph McCarthy says
I went to high school with Henry. He was quiet, but a very conscientious student. He and I were in Bookkeeping I and Bookkeeping II together. I remember Brother McCormack teasing Henry by calling him Hank. Henry and I attended the University of Montana together. I had conversations with Henry in recent years at the Folk Festival in Butte. Henry was a wonderful person, and never had a negative thing to say about anyone or anything. I’m truly sorry for you loss.
Lare says
I met Henry in 1992, we became very good friends over the years. Henry was referred to as ‘Coach’ by his friends. Coach, Johnny, Bird and I became a group of close friends that traveled together; going to many University of Montana sporting events, concerts and other fun times. Coach introduced me to St. Patrick’s Day in Butte, what a tremendous time it was. He loved music, making trips to listen to groups play, St. Patrick’s Day in Butte was one of his favorites. He would share stories when he returned, always happy and excited about his trip. There were so many great times and stories but I won’t bore you with them, those that made the journey will always remember what Coach added to the adventures. Henry ‘Coach’ Fenton has always been a great person, willing to help when needed, a genuinely happy person with a great sense of humor. Coach will always be in the hearts of those that were close to him. We miss you Coach!
Sandy Smith says
I knew Henry for many years and will miss him and his accounting expertise terribly. Henry was so knowledgeable and helpful.
Michelle Boone says
Terribly sad to learn of Henry’s passing. The world has lost a brilliant, gentle giant.
Kirk Conway says
A gentle person with a giant heart. I met Coach many moons ago along the banks of the Missouri River. A place where many freinds gather once a year to reconnect, share tales over ales and rejuvenate one’s batteries. Of course, one will not depart camp before enjoying a large bowl of Coach’s chili – mmgood. Will miss your calming aura, soft spoken stories and real time sports stats. I must say, I’m deeply saddened but yet feeling so lucky to have crossed paths with you Coach, a true gentleman, a keeper indeed. Know you’ve positively impacted many who will carry on your legacy in moving goodwill and decency forward. You once said, a void only remains if one forgets. You my friend will never be forgotten. Coach, I know it will be very tough to fill your shoes but try I will. Until we cross paths again, thank you and peace be with you kind man.