Galen W Fienhage

Galen Fienhage, 88, of Topeka, passed away September 14, 2023.

He was born November 2, 1934, in Kelly, Kansas, the son of Frank and Catherine (Vondemkamp) Fienhage. After graduating from Hayden High School in 1952 he joined the Navy. Galen served during the Korean War as a pipe fitter and yeoman aboard the submarine tender USS Nereus, stationed in San Diego Bay. In the spring of 1955, he was onboard USS Nereus which accompanied submarines Tunny, Carbonero and Cusk to Pearl Harbor, acting as observer ship and advance base headquarters during the first firing of operational missiles from submarines.

Galen returned to Topeka after serving in the Navy. He married Carol Stansbury on January 26, 1957, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Topeka. He graduated from the Apprenticeship Program of Sheet Metal Workers’ International Association Local Union No. 2 where he later taught. Galen was employed by McElroy’s, Inc. in Topeka, retiring in 1994. He was a member of Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 2 for more than 60 years.

Galen was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Catherine Fienhage; three brothers, Bob, Frank and Sally Fienhage; and sister Inez Smith.

He is survived by his wife Carol Fienhage; four children, Tom (Sandra) Fienhage, Mike (Billie) Fienhage, Nancy Fienhage (Michael Wilt) and Cathy (Kyle) McNorton; 8 grandchildren, Jason, Amber, Corey, Taylor, Hannah (Fienhage), Kourtney, Josey and Kyla (McNorton); seven great-grandchildren, Chandler, Kyliee, Brooklynn, Myrick, Maelyn, Braylee and Brody; and one great-great-grandchild Khaliylah.

Galen enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, cars and traveling. He and Carol liked spending time with their grandchildren and great-grandchild and attended their many events and activities. Galen and Carol enjoyed daily walks and lunches at local restaurants. They played dominoes, went for drives, visited area casinos and watched NASCAR and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Funeral services will be 1:00pm, October 6, at Davidson Funeral Home, 1035 N. Kansas Ave., Topeka. Interment follows at Rochester Cemetery, Topeka. Family will receive friends prior to the service from noon to 1:00pm on October 6 at Davidson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Midland Hospice Care and sent in care of Davidson Funeral Home, 1035 N. Kansas Avenue, Topeka, KS 66608.

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