Dear Friends,
We were saddened to learn that Donn Fendler’s beloved wife of 56 years passed away January 26, 2009 following a six week illness. Ree Fendler was a wonderful lady and our thoughts are with Donn and his family.
Thousands of teachers and children in Maine and across the nation know Donn’s legendary story “Lost on a Mountain in Maine.” For decades he has visited schoolchildren and written countless letters to them, always encouraging children to read and inspiring them with his story of surviving nine days in the wilderness of Baxter State Park when he was twelve. His dear wife offered a lifetime of support as he so willingly gave freely of his time to Maine schools these many years.
Letters and cards can be mailed to Donn at his winter home:
Lt. Col. Donn Fendler
1770 Theresa Avenue
Clarksville, TN 37040
Below is a recent photograph of the Fendlers at their Newport home in July 2008. Mrs. Fendler’s obituary from the Bangor Daily News follows with information about memorial contributions. Online condolences can be left at a special guest book set up for the family at http://www.legacy.com/BangorNews/Obituaries.asp . Use the search tool to locate the Guest Book.
John Thurlow
MARYROSE K. FENDLER CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. Maryrose K. Fendler died Jan. 26, 2009, at Gateway Medical Center, Clarksville, Tenn. Daughter of Arthur F. Connolly and Maryrose K. Connolly, she was born in Morristown, N.J., and resided in the Basking Ridge, N.J., area. She was a 1944 graduate of St. Gabriels High School, New Rochelle, N.J. Prior to moving to the Clarksville, Tenn., area she resided in Westchester County, N.Y., and various locations in Europe, Asia and the United States. She enjoyed many summers in Newport was a member of St. Agnes Parish, Pittsfield. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Lt. Col. Donn C. Fendler, retired; daughters, Bridget Fendler of Clarksville, Tenn., Judith King of Cary, N.C., and Joan Bedwell of Guthrie, Ky.; son, Dennis Fendler of Payson, Ariz.; and six grandchildren. Her siblings include, Joan LaPorte of Leesburg, Fla., Katherine Connolly of Centerville, Mass., and Peter K. Connolly of New Haven, Mo. Mrs. Fendler was predeceased by her parents; and siblings, Kevin Connolly, Patrice Moore and Agnes Connolly. The funeral will be held 10 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 709 Franklin St., Clarksville, Tenn. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to St. Jude Shrine, 212 West Saratoga St., Baltimore, MD 21201-1896.
LINKS
Video of Maine Map of Baxter & Donn's Journey Listen to the End of the Story
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........ | Donn Fendler - Lost on a Mountain in Maine A Tribute Web Site to a Maine Legend
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In 1939 twelve year-old Donn Fendler was hiking to the Summit of Maine's highest mountain when he became separated from his family. A dark storm enveloped the peak of the mile-high mountain called Katahdin, and the boy quickly lost his way. He spent nine long days and nights in that rugged wilderness, all alone except the wildlife he encountered as he tried to find his way out. Meanwhile, the entire state prayed for him while hundreds of brave citizens and blood hounds searched the mountain. It was these prayers, Donn's courage and faith, his Boy Scout training and his "will to live" that brought him through this ordeal.
After a quick recovery from malnutrition and hundreds of scrapes, cuts, and insect bites, Donn was celebrated with a huge parade in Millinocket. He also met the President of the United States and was the subject of a story in Life Magazine. But the greatest tribute to this young boy's courage was publication of "Lost on a Mountain in Maine," the story of Donn Fendler told by Joseph Egan and enjoyed by young readers for over 60 years.
Donn Fendler is now living in Tennessee. He summers in Maine where he remains for a few weeks in the fall so he can visit schools across the state to share his story and answer kids' questions about his incredible experience. His memories are vivid and he always has a positive message for children about faith, courage, preparation, and the will to live.Since his brush with death in Baxter State Park more than fifty years ago, Donn Fendler has received thousands of letters, mostly from Maine school children, which he always answers. He still visits many Maine schools every year. Donn lives in Clarksville, Tennessee, but summers in Newport, Maine. He attended Maine Central Institute, in Pittsfield, and the University of Maine. He is retired from the U.S. Army. Donn says his book was not dedicated to anybody, but if he was to dedicate the book today it would be to the Boy Scouts of America. His appreciation of Scouting is shown by his active involvement in scouting, attaining the rank of Life Scout.
This web site was created and hosted by South Portland teacher John Thurlow, with Donn's permission, as a tribute to his contribution to education in Maine. He has not only inspired generations of children with his story, but the talks he has given to thousands of kids over the years, and the countless letters he has replied to, have made profound contributions to education in Maine and elsewhere. Donn is in great demand as a speaker, but he tries to fulfill every request if he can. He visits fewer schools these days but appreciates the letters he receives and still replies to them all.
Thank you, Donn, for being a wonderful role model for the children of Maine and the nation.Donn's book now has a national following and we're proud of our own Donn Fendler, the boy who was lost for nine days in the Katahdin wilderness. and survived!
To contribute items to this web site, please email John Thurlow
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