Sally Fena

The light that shone through our sister Sally Marie Fena faded out February 28, 2024, just as the sun was rising. She was only a few weeks short of her 69th birthday. At her full and memorable height of 4’11”, she was a mighty force and lived large in her commitment to carry the Word of God everywhere she went. Sally had the heart of a missionary and took her commitment to do the work of Jesus Christ very seriously, never shirking a call to spread His word and traveling around the world to share the Gospel.

Sally was born in Hibbing Minnesota, on March 19, 1955, the fourth child of Jack Fena and Kathleen Kaim Fena. She attended Assumption Hall and graduated from Hibbing High School. After earning her RN degree at Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma, she worked in several states as a caregiver in hospitals, group homes, assisted living and nursing care facilities. She married David Keyser and they made their home in Wyoming for a while, living in Cheyenne and Casper, and then moving to the Cottonwood, Arizona, area.

Throughout her life, Sally was charismatic and quickly found success with her real work in life, bringing people to the Lord. She participated in many international trips to Israel and to South Pacific and Southeast Asian countries to do so. She is remembered in the Duluth area particularly for her work in street ministry. She eventually established her home of faith and fellowship with the International House of Prayer in Kansas City where she was known for her love of prayerful songs and dance.

In northern Minnesota, Sally lived at various times in Duluth, Grand Rapids, Side Lake and Hibbing, as well as some years in the Twin Cities. She was an outgoing and open-hearted soul, unforgettable in so many ways. She spent the last year and a half of her life near family in Chisholm and Duluth where she died peacefully with family by her side.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Kay, and her brother, Bart Fena. She is survived by her siblings, Andrew Fena (Libby Fena), MaryAnn Fena Benke (David Benke), Chris Fena, Margaret Coldwell (Bill Coldwell), Peter Fena, Susan Fena (Lee Holte), Jim Fena (Kerry Nobens), Lynn Fena (Jerry Bakke) and Marianna Nelson. Sally was a treasured sister, cousin, Auntie, and a Great Auntie, and she was a faithful friend many, many times over.  Sally will be deeply missed.   We take comfort in our vision of her big beautiful blue eyes fixated on Jesus and her heart overflowing with joy.

Our family deeply appreciates the support and care provided to Sally at Hilltop Nursing Care Facility in Duluth. Teaming with St. Croix Hospice, these healthcare angels provided Sally and our family with loving assistance during the last few months of her life. We are also grateful for the care given to Sally by Serving Hart Assisted Living in Chisholm, as well as the Essentia Hospitals in both Virginia and Duluth.

Celebration of her Life will be held on May 7, 2024, at Great Lakes Church 4501 Glenwood St. Duluth, MN. Friends and family are invited to gather after 10:00 am, the service will begin at 10:30 am. Interment at 4:00 pm at the Chisholm Cemetery. Everyone who knew Sally is invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Second Harvest Northland or to a charity of your choice.