Norbert E. “Norb” Fenstemaker, age 90, of North Canton, passed away peacefully in his home, eating ice cream on November 29, 2022. He was born at home in East Canton, OH, to John and Marjorie (Rice) Fenstemaker on June 28, 1932. He was a 1950 graduate of Timken Vocational High School, Cape Fear Technical School in Wilmington, NC and Malone College with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He was also a veteran of the North Korean conflict, serving in the U.S. Navy as a yeoman. For Norb’s service, he earned a National Defense Service Medal.
He retired in 1996 from Babcock & Wilcox after 27 years of service, working in various divisions, locations, and positions as Senior Buyer, Purchasing Manager (I&M Div.), QA and project scheduling. He held a Lifetime Certification from the National Association of Purchasing Managers.
Norb was known for his lively, gregarious personality and “class clown” sense of humor. He was a creative and artistic person with an immense talent for drawing and the written word. His passion was anything outdoors (travel, hiking, biking, fishing, landscape photography), live theater, movies, and playing golf with his sons and grandson. Norb was a truly great man who will be missed, and his hilarious wit and zest for life will not be forgotten.
He is survived by sons, Michael of Canton, David (Jellina) of Rogue River, OR., Dr. Eric (Janet) of Maryville, TN, and Dr. Stephen (Marilyn) of North Canton; daughters, Kathleen (Scott) Schaumburg of Belmont, NC, and Sarah Johnson of Indianapolis, IN; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren; four nieces, and one nephew.
He was preceded in death by his longtime companion and best friend, Karen Boos of Wadsworth, OH, parents, brothers, Robert (Betty), Daryl (Marjorie), John (Shirley); sisters, Geraldine (Link) Johnson, Joyce (John) Gobeli, Delma Jean; and grandson, Stephen Fenstemaker, II.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Louis Church, 300 N Chapel St, Louisville, OH on Friday, December 16, 2022 at 11:00 am with Navy Honor burial to follow at Center Church for the Brethren, 2801 Ravenna Ave NE, Louisville, OH.
We will miss Uncle Norb very much. Never without a smile and a laugh, he was always in a great mood. So grateful to have had him in my life. He was so thoughtful, and never failed to send me a birthday card! Even at 90! He will be missed.
I send my heartfelt condolences to my cousins on the loss of your beloved dad, my uncle and godfather. He and I have kept in touch over the years and I loved hearing from him. He was always positive, encouraging, and so witty. May his memory be eternal.
Norb was an asset to B&W and fun to work with! I remember him and Karen always together even for lunch! My sympathies to his family and friends!
Sooo very sorry to read of the passing of my friend Norb Fenstemaker. Working at B&W with Norb was a truly wonderful experience. He was a joy to work and laugh with for over 25+ years. My prayers and thoughts are with his family and friends. Fly high Norbie! May the good Lord bless you and keep you in the Palm of Hus Hand! 😘💕❤️☮️🙏
Norbert. Great person. Great friend. Worked with Norb a long time. God speed Norb
To the family of Norb,
I remember him as a long time neighbor on Spring Ave NE when it was beautiful, we went to grade school with his children!
My condolences to each and everyone of you during this difficult time and especially at this time of the year~
Claudia Kotema-Streb
Lifting up the Fenstemaker family as you celebrate Norb’s life and legacy
I was so saddened to hear of Uncle Norb’s passing. He was a big man with an even bigger laugh, who always lit up my world with his stories. I loved our many conversations about so many things – like family history and his adventures. He inspired me with his live life to the full attitude that just didn’t quit- he made the senior years look like a good time- not something to dread. I’ll miss you and your BIG laugh, Uncle Norb! The world lost a bright light – you left like you lived -enjoying the ride to the hilt. <3