Edward "Ned" Fenlon

Edward "Ned" Fenlon (born October 7 1903), was a member of the Michigan State House of Representatives as well as a circuit judge in Michigan.

Background

Fenlon was born in St. Ignace Township but was raised in nearby Hessel, Michigan. Married in 1939, he and his wife, Jane W. Fenlon, would have one child, two grandaughters, and six great-grandchildren. His wife Jane died in 2001 at age of 87.

Education

Fenlon attended Grand Rapids Community College(1923-1925),then attended Notre Dame University for his undergraduate degree. Fenlon also attended Saint Louis University School of Law in 1928, then getting his law degree from Lasalle University.

Politics and judgeship

Fenlon returned to Michigan after completing his education. He ran for Michigan State Legislature and won in 1933. He continued to hold the office till 1938. During his term he introduced several bills that would lay the groundwork for the building of the Mackinaw Bridge. He became a Michigan circuit judge in 1951 and continued in that office till leaving the bench in 1974. He was instrumental in getting several civic projects off the ground for Northern Michigan, including the Blue Water Bridge and Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge. He also helped in the Building of several Michigan State Police posts.

Retirement

At 104, Fenlon has a home in Petoskey, Michigan and a winter home in California.

News links

Judge Ned Fenlon Honored by Grand Rapids Community College. "St Ignace News". 27 April 2005. [http://www.stignacenews.com/news/2005/0427/Front_Page/256.html] .

Bridge Booster Ned Fenlon Marking Celebrations of 50th Year of Mackinaw Bridge. "St. Ignace News". 26 July 2007. [http://www.stignacenews.com/news/2007/0726/News/031.html] .

Judge Ned Fenlon Honored for 1935 Efforts. "St Ignace News". 11 February 2006 [http://www.mackinacislandnews.com/news/2006/0211/News/023.html]

Ned Fenlon: The Dapper Centenarian by Walton Collins. "Notre Dame Magazine". Autumn 2003 Issue. [http://www.nd.edu/~ndmag/au2003/fenlon.html]