Larry D. “Fenman” Fenster Jr.
Larry D. “Fenman” Fenster Jr., age 60, passed away on August 13, 2025, in Garden City, Kansas. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2025, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at American Legion Post 52, 1223 Central Avenue, Kearney. Casual attire requested, light snacks will be provided.
Born on October 7, 1964, in Chula Vista, California, Larry lived a life defined by hard work, deep connections, and a love for the open road.
Larry spent much of his career as a truck driver, a profession that took him across nearly all 50 states. While the cargo may have varied, it was the people he met along the way who left lasting impressions — and many of those encounters blossomed into lifelong friendships. He cherished the freedom of the highway and found joy in every mile traveled.
Beyond his work, Larry had a passion for classic vehicles and Harley Davidson motorcycles. His love for motorcycles wasn’t just about the ride — it was about community and connection. Whether cruising down backroads or attending gatherings with fellow enthusiasts, Larry found happiness behind the handlebars. He was known for being fun-loving, hardworking and a cold Coors Light, with an infectious spirit that drew others to him. Larry was working for Paul Bartels Trucking at the time of his death.
Larry was a proud member
of Kearney Post 52 Sons of the American Legion, Gibbon Post 310 American Legion Riders, and the Eagles Aerie in Holdrege.
Family was at the heart of Larry’s world. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Denise (Slater), of Holdrege. Together they built a life filled with love and laughter. Larry was a proud father to his sons, Shaun Fenster (Ammie), of Grand Island; Michael Fenster (Kristin), of Blythe, California; and Jason Glenn, of Wood River; and to his daughters, Jennifer Kuhn, of Xenia, Ohio; Heather Leudenburg (Jonathan), of Norman, Oklahoma; Shayla Hanshaw (Steven), of Ocean Springs, Mississippi; and Sarah Schrock (Trent), of Funk.
He was a beloved grandfather to Kaeley, Jakob, Atticus, Carson, Savannah, May, Leyanna, Isaiah, Aleta, Laylah, Linda, Gunner, Nikolas, Harley, Sammy and Shirley — and great-grandfather to Paisley. Each child held a special place in his heart. Larry had an especially tender spot for children — not only his grandchildren but also many children of friends who became dear to him over the years.
Larry is also remembered by his brothers, Chad Fenster and Danny Fenster, of Nebraska; his sister, Jeanette Streigle (Kelly), of Iowa; his aunts, Jan Opp and Bev Collingham (Keith), both of Aurora; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and dear friends who will miss him dearly; and his loved fur babies, Frisco and Daisy, who never left his side while he was home.
He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Fenster Sr.; mother, Brooksie Bauman; brother, Troy Fenster; father-inlaw, Jim Slater; mother-in-law, Shirley Slater; one grandson; and numerous friends Larry’s legacy lives on in the memories shared by those who knew him — on long drives under open skies or in the garage with stories and laughter.
May his memory bring comfort, smiles and laughter to all who loved him.
