Paul Gary Fessenbecker

Paul Gary Fessenbecker born to George Fessenbecker and Daisy (Moretti) on February 2, 1947 in San Francisco, CA and passed away on February 7, 2026 at the age of 79. Paul is the loving husband for 60 years of Marguerite Fessenbecker (nee: Moe). Supportive father of Kim (Rob) Rowan, Steven Fessenbecker. Proud grandfather of Stacie Means, Emily Rowan. Great grandfather of Gabriel, Celein, Zaylen. Dear brother of the late Terri Conlon, Denice (John) Nugent, Lisa Kromraj. Uncle of many nieces & nephews.

Paul hired out on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad (Union Pacific) as a brakeman at Milwaukee in 1966, transferred to the Chicago Division and was promoted to locomotive engineer in 1972. He worked local way freight, through passenger, commuter passenger and through freight trains. He was elected chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen Division 404 in 1992 with a goal of making a better place to work for all. He was involved in training and safety until his retirement in 2007. For Paul, Railroading was more than a job, it was a way of life.

A mechanic and craftsman with an engineering mind, he spent years after retirement breathing new life into a 1934 Oldsmobile that he purchased while still in high school. He completed a frame-off rebuild, preserving the car's timeless 1930s style while discreetly integrating a modern corvette drivetrain and suspension. It was his pride and joy, a 'sleeper' that looked like a piece of history but drove like a modern dream.

His love for the road extended far beyond the tracks. He found his greatest peace on the open road, often behind the wheel of his Corvette with his wife Margie. They enjoyed navigating the winding paths of Yellowstone and gazing at the granite peaks of Yosemite. His journey began with childhood road trips to California, a spark of wanderlust that never faded. When he wasn't behind the wheel, he was often exploring, his deep affection for the culture and beauty of Spain and Mexico took him on many adventures that he loved to recount at family parties, where he was often the life of the celebration.

His zest for life extended to his palate, as a dedicated foodie, he sought out unique flavors from across the globe and never met an ice cream shop he didn’t want to visit. He spent time at the family deer camp in Wisconsin and was often found at Wrigley field watching the Chicago Cubs.

Above all, he was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn, serving with a dedicated and humble spirit. He leaves behind a legacy of curiosity, kindness, and the belief that the best way to see the world is one meal and one adventure at a time.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 11 AM at First Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn, 550 N Main Street, Glen Ellyn, IL.

Private interment at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Milwaukee, WI.

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