Obits > 2015 - Richard Renkes

Richard D. ‘Rich’ Renkes

Published: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015 4:18 p.m. CST • Updated: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2015 5:44 p.m. CST

Caption

PROPHETSTOWN – Richard D. “Rich” Renkes, 66, of Prophetstown, died Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling.

He was born July 8, 1948, in Morrison, the son of Warren and Meredith (Domdey) Renkes. Rich was educated in the Morrison grade schools, and graduated in 1966 from Morrison High School. He also attended Sauk Valley College in Dixon. Rich married Sally Gilman on March 31, 1973, in Pontiac. He was a veteran of the Air Force. Rich was a floor installer for many years for the family business, The Renkes Paint Store in Morrison. After The Renkes Paint Store closed, he continued to install flooring independently. At the time of his death, he was employed at the Prophetstown Park District. Rich was a past member of Lyndon United Methodist Church, and at the time of his death, was a member of Prophetstown United Methodist Church. He also was a member of Prophetstown American Legion Post 522.

Rich enjoyed woodworking, leather crafting, and listening to Gospel music. He was artistic by nature, and painted many pictures. He was an avid Atlanta Braves, Chicago Bears, and Chicago Blackhawks fan, and enjoyed all sports in general. Rich was the family handyman, always being available for any family member who needed some assistance. He loved taking his children to the Thomson cabin that his Grandpa Domdey built on the Mississippi, and going on day trips with “Mom.” The grandchildren remember him for giving them rides to school or wherever they needed to go on the spur of the moment, going to all grandchildren’s events, watching “Dora,” playing with Play-Doh, and telling Ellie, “You’re a good girl, you know that, right?” He loved his kids, and always would do whatever they needed him to do, day or night. He loved family gatherings, and saw good things in each and every one of his children and their mates. He was his wife’s best buddy, and she adored him. He was a truly gentle, patient, honest, and nonjudgmental man.

Survivors include his wife, Sally; two daughters, Dixie Renkes-Taylor and Jill (Carl) Renkes-Weidel, and one son, Dustin (Tirzah) Renkes, all of Prophetstown; seven grandchildren, Ellie and Jaden Taylor, Max, Simon, and Mya Weidel, and Wynn and Laken Renkes; his mother, Meredith of Morrison; one sister, Rhonda (Richard) Tracy of Dubuque, Iowa; one brother, Rolland R. (Janet) Renkes of Morrison; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, Warren Renkes, and one brother, Raymond Warren Renkes.

Memorial visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home in Morrison. The memorial service will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Cheri Stewart, pastor of Prophetstown United Methodist Church, officiating. Interment will be at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison. Cremation rites have been accorded.

Memorials have been established to Prophetstown American Legion, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Prophetstown United Methodist Church.

Visit bosmarenkes.com to send condolences.

TAMPICO AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY - MUSEUM - FAMILY HISTORY LIBRARY/RESEARCH CENTER 119 Main St., P. O. Box 154, Tampico, IL 61283 www.tampicohistoricalsociety.com tampicoareahistory@gmail.com We are an all-volunteer organization so your donations are always appreciated! Sign up to receive our e-newsletter. Thank you! Visit us on FACEBOOK.