Larry Fenster

Larry Charles Fenster, 73, died at UC Health Hospital on February 9 in Highlands Ranch, CO. He was born on October 23, 1947 in Norfolk, NE where he spent his childhood before moving to Alliance, NE and graduating from Alliance High School. His interest in electronics led him to a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Nebraska in 1969. The day after graduation he married Carol Vanderslice and moved to Fargo, ND where he was a Sales Engineer for Johnson Controls. They moved to Denver in 1974 and he earned an Executive MBA from the University of Colorado in 1983. For several decades, he was a senior executive at several Fortune 500 companies in the construction industry, specializing in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.

He retired from the corporate world at age 50 and became an angel investor, specializing in the bio-medical, technical, and software industries. He took delight in mentoring young entrepreneurs and loved the intellectual stimulation of serving on the business boards of universities and colleges.

His fascination with mechanics and electronics drew him to flying and he obtained his private pilot’s license when he was 23. Flying his own airplane, he logged flights all over North America, including Canada and Alaska. He was a volunteer pilot for Angel Flight and also became a glider pilot. Due to his intellectual curiosity and unquenchable thirst for new adventures, he traveled the world with wife Carol visiting all 50 states and many foreign countries.

Larry loved his work and flying, but his true passion was his family—especially son Brett and the grandchildren. A doting father and grandparent, he relished traveling with Brett and his family and being a part of their lives.  His hearty laugh dominated every social gathering.

He is survived by his wife, Carol (Vanderslice) Fenster, son Brett Fenster; daughter-in-law Britte Notzold; grandchildren Keene, Romi and Cole Fenster and Ida and Ingrid Malone; and his sister Kay DuBois plus several cousins, nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Eunice Fenster.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held when the pandemic is over. In the meantime, donations in Larry’s memory can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org).