Gayle Joseph Fenner, 72, of Piedmont, SD, died on November 4th in Rapid City, SD after an extended illness.

Gayle was born in Rapid City, SD, on January 3, 1934. He graduated from High School at Central High School in Rapid City and joined the U.S. Air Force in 1952. Gayle was a meteorologist for the U.S. Air Force and provided proud service to his country with two tours in Vietnam, two tours in France and two tours in England. Gayle retired in 1978. Gayle married the love of his life and his lifemate, Claudette Perry in 1964 who he had met while stationed in France. Gayle was a proud Father and a doting Grandfather who always was open and honest with his thoughts and opinions.

Gayle was a consummate racecar driver and avid skier. He won multitudes of medals, trophies, and championships for both. His competitive spirit and desire to succeed without compromising his personal high attitudes about honesty and integrity are his hallmark and his legacy.

He is preceded in death by his father, Joe Fenner and his mother, Mary Wilson Fenner.

He is survived by his wife, Claudette Fenner, his mother Margaret Fenner, and his children Morrison Fenner, Margo Maglione, Sophie Burditt, Paula Needles, and Anita Gould. Gayle's memory is further sustained by his ten grandchildren.

A memorial service will held on Wednesday, November 8th, 2006 at the Black Hills National Cemetery at 2 p.m. with Pastor Steve Trefz officiating. Family and friends are encouraged to gather at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel, 1235 Junction Avenue in Sturgis and will leave at 1:45 p.m. to go to the cemetery. The family will meet Gayle's great wealth of friends and family after the small ceremony at the American Legion Hall in Piedmont for reflection and final thoughts.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to the Mayo Clinic. 200th 1st Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905 ATTN: Development Department in memorial to Gayle J. Fenner.