Baird-Freeman Funeral Home

221 North Meridian

Portland, Indiana 47371

260-726-7171

baird-freeman@yahoo.com

Karl Lewis Fennig, age 86, rural Portland, passed away peacefully at home on February 19, 2025.  He was born in Muncie, Indiana on May 9, 1938 the son of Herman F. and Marybelle (McGuire) Fennig.  He was a 1957 Madison High School graduate and lifetime resident of Jay County.

Karl spent his entire adult life in the timber business as a logger and timber buyer.  He also owned and operated a sawmill in Portland during the 1960's.  He was well known for his vast experience and expertise in the timber business.

He worked for Freeman Corp., Indiana Veneer, and retired from Frank Miller Lumber Company in 1999.  After retirement he began operating a sawmill on the farm doing custom sawing.

His hobbies included raising horses and mules, tinkering in his shop and playing music.  He was a member and Director of the Tri-State Tractor and Engine Association.  Other memberships include Portland Eagles Lodge, The Percheron Draft Horse Association, Circle X Riders and Jay County Trail Riders.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 44 years, Jody (Krahulec), children Karl Steven Fennig of Redkey, Sharon Rose Hiatt (husband Eric) of Ridgeville, Jewel Ann Hardymon (husband Randy) of Portland, Mark Allen Fennig (wife Joann) of Union City and David Brian Fennig of Carrollton, KY., his first wife and mother of his children Naomi (Gaston) Kramer of Eaton, Ohio, step-children Todd Detro (wife Susie) of Ridgeville and Luann Detro of Ridgeville.  Brothers Michael Fennig (wife Brenda) of Union City, Joseph Fennig (wife Kathleen) of Portland, Sisters Mary Gluff (husband Howard) of Muncie and Madeline Hays Lewis of Texas, 14 Grandchildren, 49 Great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother John L. Fennig (Liz Gatewood).

Funeral services will be on Tuesday February 25th at 11:00 AM in the Baird-Freeman Funeral Home with Pastor Scott Turner presiding.  Burial will follow in the Bluff Point Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Monday from 3:00 – 7:00 PM and Monday an hour prior to the services.  Memorials can be made to Southern Care Hospice.

Online condolences at www.bairdfreeman.com