William Francis “Bill” Fenkner was born March 23, 1933 to William A. and Eleanor G. Fenkner in Stockton, California. The oldest of five, he was preceded in death by his brother Richard. Bill is survived by Christine, his wife of 32 years; brothers Al and Donald, sister Kathleen, daughters Laurie and Lisa, stepson Eric, nine grandchildren, and two great grandchildren.
Shortly after his birth the family relocated to Seattle, Washington. Growing up with his siblings in Rainier Valley, Bill graduated from Franklin High School in 1950.
In 1952, Bill and his best friend, cousin Tim McBride, enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Deployed to Korea, Bill served as a Recon Marine, earning several commendations and two purple hearts.
Following his years of active duty, Bill continued as a reservist until 1972. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Serving as a reservist in the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Bill’s skills were recognized, and he was periodically placed on active duty, as military conflicts broke out. Bill received several commendations and awards for his service, including the National Reservist of the Year. Bill achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, one of only four in the Nation.
After having served his Country in two branches of the military, in every conflict from Korea to the first Gulf War, Bill retired in 1992.
Bill married Barbara Jean (Budzine) in 1958. The family settled first in Renton, Washington, where Barbara started her teaching career, and Bill worked in various capacities, including as a cab driver, and a computer operator for Boeing.
Bill started his career with the Seattle Police Department (SPD) in 1965. After the birth of their two daughters, they moved to a home in Bellevue. Bill attended night school at Seattle Pacific University – earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in public administration in 1972.
At SPD, Bill worked in patrol, motorcycles and was on the drill team until being promoted to Detective in 1970 then Detective Sergeant in 1980. During his tenure with Seattle Police, Bill worked in nearly every investigative unit in the department. Bill retired from the Seattle Police Department in 1993.
An incredibly hard worker, Bill invested in rental properties. Old buildings that needed a lot of work, Bill did all the repairs and maintained them on his own, always taking care of his tenants.
Bill married Christine (Claggett) in 1991, and they moved to the Federal Way / Auburn area.
Bill loved being a grandfather and spent countless hours with all his grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He never missed a school program or sports event.
Bill brought his grandchildren with him frequently, providing them with innumerable life experiences. Bill loved to pass on his knowledge and skills to each of his grandchildren.
Bill was always there to help everyone. He will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. A memorial service will be held on May 12, 2023 at 10:00 a.m., at the Tahoma National Cemetery, in Kent, Washington.
A reception will follow at his residence in Auburn.
I love you, Dad. I will miss you forever. (Lisa).
