Jason Fenton Obituary (1931 - 2017) - Minneapolis, Minnesota

Jason Fenton, beloved father, grandfather and great-grandfather died on January 21, 2017 after spending a beautiful Shabbat with his three daughters. He is survived by his children, Mina (Jordan) Rush, Tamar Fenton (David Pink), and Suzanne Fenton (Dan Lieberman); his grandchildren, Tzvia (Josh), Atara, Harel, Penina, Aiden, Asher, Ronen, Liel, Emet, Charles, and Leo; and his great-grandson, Micah; his siblings, Ivor and Myra Felton and David and Margaret Martin; and former spouse, Judith Fenton. He also leaves behind his trusted companion, Red Fox. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rabbi Benzion and Bertha Fertleman, and his son, Anthony. Jason was born in London, orphaned at a young age, and was sent to Perse School Cambridge as one of the few Jewish students accepted. At the age of sixteen, he left England and began his clandestine journey to enlist as a volunteer (MACHAL) in Israel's War for Independence, joining the “Democratic Anglo-Saxon" Fourth Troop Anti-Tank Regiment. By all accounts, he was the youngest of the approximately 4000 volunteers who came from around the world in 1948 to help Israel survive in its hour of need. Jason immigrated to the US in 1956 and received his PhD from UCLA. He was a respected professor of English and Jewish History at several Southern California universities and colleges. A talented public speaker and writer, Jason also spoke about Israel and Jewish history in synagogues, churches, classrooms, and public forums. Dr. Fenton became one of the foremost authorities on the MACHAL volunteers, appearing on TV and in two documentaries. He wrote the book, “Strength and Courage: The Untold Story of the MACHAL Volunteers Who Helped Win Israel’s War of Independence,” and single-handedly organized a permanent MACHAL exhibit at the Ammunition Hill Museum in Jerusalem. After spending wonderful years with Mina’s family in LA, Jason retired as a university professor and moved to Minnesota to be with Tamar and Suzanne and their families in 2013. In addition to being active at the Sabes JCC, despite his “retirement,” he continued to make his mark as an educator and lecturer. Dr. Fenton also taught a very popular adult continuing education course on Jewish Biblical history through the University of Minnesota. Jason was deeply connected to his Jewish faith and Israel. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandson and they loved and respected him immensely. He made a profound impact on all who were blessed to know him. Funeral service 11:00 AM on MONDAY at BETH EL SYNAGOGUE, 5225 Barry St. W, St. Louis Park. Donations can be made to Israeli Lone Soldier Program, www.Lonesoldiercenter.com, Friends of the IDF www.fidf.org, or Sabes JCC. SHIVA 7:00 PM, Monday and Tuesday at Sholom Home West, 3620 Phillips Pkwy, T Pkwy, Wednesday at Suzanne and Dan’s home.