Cover photo for Charles  E. Fenlon M.D.'s Obituary
Charles  E. Fenlon M.D. Profile Photo
1928 Charles 2010

Charles E. Fenlon M.D.

May 20, 1928 — May 1, 2010

Fenlon, Charles E., M.D.
“Chick”

Charles Fenlon, M.D., passed away on May 1, 2010 at Theda Clark Medical Center. Chick was born on May 20, 1928, in Oak Park, Illinois. Chick was a Family Physician for over 50 years. He had three distinct medical careers. He practiced solo and group medicine from 1957 to 1977, first in Mason City, Iowa (1957-1961) and then in Appleton from 1962 until his retirement in 1995.

Raised in Clinton, Iowa, Chick graduated from the University of Iowa Medical School in 1953. After interning at Detroit Receiving Hospital he served as a flight surgeon for two years in the U.S. Air Force. Chick entered practice in 1957. Chick held leadership positions as Chief of Staff at Appleton Memorial Hospital (1975) and Chief of the combined medical staffs of AMC and St. Elizabeth Hospital (1990-1992). In 1977 Chick became involved in the development of the Fox Valley Family Practice Residency and was director until 1987. In that capacity he was a member of the University of Wisconsin Medical School and professor emeritus of the U.W. Department of Family Medicine.

Chick's involvement in the Residency and teaching was his proudest medical achievement. He loved to train young physicians. Chick's final medical career was occupational medicine. He served as Medical Director of Appleton Papers, Miller Electric and the Valley Bank, among others. Chick co-founded the Wisconsin Institute of Family Medicine Foundation and served on the National Foundation Board for 8 years.

He was involved in a host of community activities including the YMCA, serving as president in 1977. In 2002, he received the Walter Rugland Community Service Award. He enjoyed the Appleton Downtown Rotary Club, serving as president in 1996-1997. Chick co-founded the Southern Africa Medical Project, sending medical goods to multiple under developed countries. He was an active member of Memorial Presbyterian Church and sang in the choir. Chick married Charlotte Bates on August 23, 1952. They had five children. She preceded Chick in death on July 20, 1994. Chick married Elinore “Peggy” Bergomi on May 19, 1995. Their combined family included 7 children, 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Chick vacationed all of his life at Fence Lake near Minocqua. He especially loved family time at the cottage home at Seven Oaks.

Chick is survived by his wife, “Peggy”; children: William (Marian) Fenlon, Steven (Linda) Fenlon, Mark (Julia) Fenlon, Warren (Margaret) Fenlon, Sarah (Donald) Karls, Julia (Jeff) Overesch, Michelle (Brad) Willoughby; grandchildren: Peter Fenlon, Emily Fenlon, Victoria Fenlon, Michelle (Josh) Leu, Jonathan Fenlon, Erin Fenlon, Luke Fenlon, Bryce Fenlon, Monica Fenlon, Ian and Breanne Karls, Joseph, Kristin and Amanda Willoughby, Shannon and Benjamin Overesch and great-granddaughter, Charlotte Leu. He is further survived by his brothers, Leslie Knapp Fenlon and John Fenlon, M.D. He was preceded in death by his parents and Charlotte Bates Fenlon.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 803 E. College Avenue, with the Rev. Darryl L. Baker officiating. Friends will be received for visitation at the Wichmann Funeral Home on Monday, May 3, 2010 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m until the time of service.

A memorial fund has been established in Chick's name. Please send donations to the Dr. Chick Fenlon Residency Fund, 4455 W. Lawrence Street, P.O. Box 563, Appleton, WI 54912.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton, WI 54911
(920) 739-1231

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Tuesday, May 3, 2022

4:00 - 7:00 pm

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Service

Wednesday, May 4, 2022

Starts at 11:00 am

Memorial Presbyterian Church

803 E College Ave, Appleton, WI 54911

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