Franchot Lloyd Frenske

Franchot Fenske, beloved husband, father, grandfather, veteran, engineer, and friend, passed away on October 5, 2026, in Bellingham, Washington, at the age of 86.

Franchot was born on May 23, 1940, in Hot Springs, South Dakota. In 1943, his family moved to Navy Yard City near Bremerton, Washington, where his father worked at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. His early years were modest, and his family faced the challenges of building a life during difficult times.

Franchot's childhood and school years were not always easy. He struggled with dyslexia at a time when little was understood about it. He was placed in remedial classes and eventually repeated sixth grade. He was told by some that he could not learn and would never amount to anything.

Those words, however, did not determine the course of his life.

One of the defining qualities of Franchot's life was his determination. He learned early that setbacks did not have to define a person. He continued moving forward, finding ways to learn, work, and build a life of which he could be proud.

As a young man, Franchot discovered a love for working with his hands. He enjoyed wood shop, metal shop, and auto shop. He rebuilt the engine in his 1949 Mercury and played tackle on the West High School football team.

After graduating from West High School, Franchot joined the United States Army with his close friend Richard Mueller under the Army's buddy system. He served for three years, training as a helicopter repairman and eventually being stationed in Germany, where he worked on turbine helicopters. His military service became an important part of his life and gave him experiences and friendships that stayed with him.

After returning home, Franchot began working for the City of Bremerton. He initially worked on a survey crew and later moved into the Engineering Department. It was there that the path toward his future career began to take shape.

While working, Franchot started taking college classes. His journey toward becoming an engineer was a long one. With the encouragement and support of his wife, Ginny, he eventually left his job to attend college full time.

In 1970, after seven and a half years of study, Franchot earned his degree in civil engineering from the University of Washington.

That accomplishment represented much more than a college degree. For a man who had once struggled in school and been told that he would never amount to anything, earning his engineering degree was a powerful testament to his determination and perseverance.

Franchot went on to have a successful career in engineering. His work took him throughout the Pacific Northwest and Alaska, where he was involved in significant municipal engineering projects. He eventually became a partner at RW Beck and later served as a principal with KPG.

While Franchot was proud of his professional accomplishments, his family was always at the center of his life.

Franchot met Virginia “Ginny” Brownell when they were teenagers at West High School. After going their separate ways for a time, they found each other again after Franchot returned from the Army. They were married on August 29, 1964, at St. Paul's Church in Bremerton.

Ginny was his wife, best friend, and strongest supporter. She believed in Franchot and encouraged him throughout the many years it took to build his career and achieve his goals. Together they built a family and raised their three children: Brent Fenske, Brian Fenske, and Julie Overhauser.

Franchot was deeply proud of his children and treasured watching them grow and build lives of their own. He was also blessed with grandchildren, who brought him tremendous happiness and became an important part of his later years.

Ginny preceded Franchot in death. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Dick Fenske, and by his parents.

Franchot's faith became increasingly important to him throughout his life. He came to see his relationship with God as an important source of strength and guidance. He believed in the importance of prayer, family, honesty, making good choices, and continuing to grow as a person.

Franchot also had many passions that brought him happiness.

He loved cars, particularly classic American automobiles. His lifelong interest began with his early cars and continued through the years with Chevelles, Corvettes, Chevrolets, Suburbans, and his beloved 1994 Ford Mustang convertible. Cars were more than machines to Franchot - they were a hobby, a source of memories, and something he enjoyed sharing with others.

He loved hunting, especially pheasant hunting in eastern Washington, and treasured the hunting trips he took with family.

He also enjoyed traveling, working on projects, reminiscing about the past, and spending time with the people he loved.

One of the most meaningful gifts Franchot left his family was his autobiography. In it, he reflected honestly on his life - the challenges he faced, the mistakes he made, the accomplishments he was proud of, and the people who mattered most to him.

His story was ultimately one of perseverance.

He was a young boy who struggled in school.

He was told that he would never amount to anything.

He became a soldier.

He became a husband.

He became a father.

He returned to school and earned an engineering degree.

He built a successful career.

He became a grandfather.

And through all of those chapters, he continued to learn, grow, and strive to be a better person.

Franchot understood that no life is perfect. He recognized his own shortcomings and mistakes, but he also understood that a person can always choose to move forward, learn from the past, and become better.

Above all, Franchot wanted his family to know how much he loved them.

His life was a testament to the importance of family, perseverance, faith, hard work, and never giving up on yourself.

He was a husband to Ginny, a father to Brent, Brian, and Julie, a grandfather, a brother, a veteran, an engineer, and a friend.

But to his children and grandchildren, he was something much simpler and much more important:

Dad.

A Special Thank You

The family would like to extend a heartfelt and special thank you to the loving caretakers at Brookdale Senior Living in Bellingham for the kindness, compassion, patience, and dignity they showed Franchot during his time there. Their care and friendship meant so much to him and to his family.

The family also extends its deepest gratitude to Franchot's Hospice Care team for the compassionate care, comfort, and support they provided to Franchot and his family during his final days. Their kindness and dedication brought peace and comfort during a very difficult time.

To everyone who cared for Franchot, thank you for treating him with kindness, dignity, and respect, and for helping make his final chapter as comfortable and peaceful as possible. Your care will always be remembered and appreciated by his family.

Franchot will be deeply missed.

He will be remembered for the life he lived, the challenges he overcame, the lessons he taught, and the love he gave to his family.

He will always be loved.

Services will be held on Monday, October 12, at Westford Funeral Home. Viewing at 11:00 a.m. and Funeral Service at 12:00 p.m., with a reception following. A Graveside Service with military honors will follow at Bayview Cemetery.