William 'Bill' Renken

William Henry Renken, the son of Gertrude (Seivert) and Alvin Renken, was born October 30, 1941, in Slayton, MN. He grew up in Wilmont, MN, and attended the local schools. On February 7, 1961, Bill was united in marriage to Barbara Johannes. The couple didn't let any grass grow under their feet, as they relocated several times between Nebraska, Texas and California. As their family expanded, Bill and Barb decided to put down roots, and made their home in Cherokee, IA. Bill started 'Bill's Bottles & Cans' in 1980, a redemption center that he operated until his health declined in May of this year. His sons had joined him in the business, but Bill continued to be an active part of the day-to-day operation. He was a hard worker, and always tried to keep himself busy. He did custom tilling and lawn mowing. He enjoyed woodworking, camping, and collecting tractors. He was active in church, hosted Bible studies in his home, and attended several retreats. He liked listening to Elvis Presley music. The pastime that gave him the most joy, however, was playing with his grandchildren. Bill passed away, at age 73, at the Cherokee Regional Medical Center on Thursday, June 11, 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, his son Dave, and two sisters, Grace and Joany. His loving heart and good sense of humor will be missed by many. Left to cherish his memory is his wife Barb; children, Sherri (Lonnie) Benson, Bill J. (Buffy) Renken, Rodger (Jackie) Renken, Debra (Tim) Anderson, and Kim Renken, all of Cherokee; 15 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Bob Renken of Sibley, IA and Don Renken of Laverne, MN; a sister, Jeanette Kremer of Omaha, NE; numerous nieces and nephews.

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CASKET BEARERS

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