Fehn, Robert Joseph

Longtime Co-Owner Of Fehn's Restaurant Was World War II Veteran

  • Friday, December 7, 2018
Robert Fehn
Robert Fehn

Robert Joseph Fehn, 94, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, December 5, 2018. 

He was born on Nov. 4, 1924, in San Antonio, Tx., to Joseph and Frieda Fehn. His family relocated to Chattanooga in 1938 and Fehn’s Restaurant was started by his parents at the original location on Tremont Street. A second location, operated by Robert, was later opened in Fountain Square while his brother Alfred continued operating the Tremont Street location. In 1958, they consolidated the operations and relocated it to its landmark location on the Tennessee River.  The restaurant operated at that location until their retirement in 1984.  He was an active member and leader in the National Restaurant Association, the Tennessee Restaurant Association, Chattanooga Restaurant Co-op, Chattanooga Jaycees, Chattanooga Half Century Club, and First Lutheran Church.

He was a graduate of Chattanooga High School and served three years in the U.S. Army Air Corp, stationed in England, during World War II.  He also attended the University of Chattanooga.

He was preceded in death by wives, Mary Pfitzer Fehn and Willie Mae Fehn, brother, Alfred Fehn, sister, Dora Rice and son-in-law, Charles Wright. 

He is survived by his four daughters, Carol Wright of Hendersonville, Tn., Nancy MacLean (Richard) of Hixson, Emily Thibodeau of Chattanooga, and Linda Huguelet (Jack) of Signal Mountain; grandchildren, Jeff Wright, Jonathan Wright (Beth), Matt Curtis (Dena), Laura Curtis, Meredith MacLean and Madeline MacLean; great-grandchildren, William and Mary Helen Wright, five nephews and one niece.

Visitation will be held at the Chattanooga Funeral Home North Chapel at 5401 Highway 153 on Monday, Dec. 10 from 2-7 p.m. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 11, at First Lutheran Church located at 2800 McCallie Ave. Services will be officiated by Pastors Gilbert Pingel and Paul Bushur.  Burial will follow at Chattanooga Memorial Park on Memorial Drive.  Pallbearers are his grandsons and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chattanooga Area Food Bank, 2009 Curtain Pole Road, Chattanooga 37406, Signal Centers at 109 North Germantown Road, Chattanooga 37411, or First Lutheran Church, 2800 McCallie Ave., Chattanooga 37404.

The family would like to thank Barbara Rast, Earline Freeman, Cindy Wingo, and Naomi Brown who provided compassionate care which allowed him to remain in his home.

Please share your thoughts and memories online at www.ChattanoogaNorthChapel.com.

Arrangements are by Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory & Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.

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