Elite speedskating coach

WAUKESHA, Wis. — Robert Fenn, a Milwaukeebased speedskating coach who mentored two- time Olympic gold medalist Shani Davis, has died. He was 73.

A funeral notice from his family said Mr. Fenn died unexpectedly Sunday at his home in Waukesha, Wisconsin.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Mr. Fenn was also an accomplished speedskater and won gold and bronze medals at the short- track world championships in 1976.

Affectionately known as “Roscoe,” Mr. Fenn was born in New York City and worked as a carpenter. But he became best known as a coach at the Petit National Ice Center in Milwaukee. That’s where he coached Davis.

Davis told the newspaper that Mr. Fenn “was the best guy you could have in your corner” and called him “a pillar of confidence.”

Funeral services are scheduled for next week.