Jack L. Renken, 73
Jack L. Renken, age 73 of Plover, passed away July 23, 2014 at his home, surrounded by his family and under the care of Ministry Home Care Hospice.
Jack had a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
A Celebration of Life Service for Jack will be held at Noon on Saturday August 2, 2014 at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Plover. Pastor Dave Ficken will officiate. Friends and family will gather to share memories from 4:00 – 7:00 PM Friday night at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in Plover. Visitation will also at 10:30 AM on Saturday and conclude at the beginning of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established for St. Paul Lutheran School in Stevens Point.
Jack was born June 18, 1941 in Lincoln, NE, the son of Fred and Tena (Johnson) Renken. He grew up in Le Mars, IA, where he attended elementary and secondary schools. He earned his undergraduate degree in 1964 from Westmar College after studying his first two years at South Dakota University. He earned his Masters Degree in Physical Education from Northeast Missouri College. He held head coaching positions in football and track in Sioux City, IA, Eatherville, IA, and Northeast Missouri State College, before moving to Stevens Point. In 1971, he was named the freshman football coach at UWSP. While at UWSP, he became an assistant football coach and track coach until 1975, when he was named the head football coach at Mayville State College in North Dakota. He returned to the UWSP coaching staff in 1978, and concluded his Pointer coaching career in 1984.
Jack started Renken Energy Products, a self-owned company in 1979. The company grew to become Renken Insulation company which he owned and operated until 2012.
Coaching and athletics were Jack’s true passions. His love of coaching continued with his three children at YMCA programs, Plover Baseball, and St. Peter Middle School. Gardening overtook Jack’s time in the last 15 years. He loved sharing his vegetables with many friends. His other hobbies included fishing, hunting, and racquetball. He was a charter member of the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church and a member of the Stevens Point Elks Club. Jack’s biggest gift in life was his family, he loved planning and spending time with them.
Jack met and married Debra Camp, his wife of 40 years in Stevens Point. They were married August 17, 1974 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Stevens Point. Jack is also survived by his three children. Scott Renken,Stevens Point; Anne (Guy) Barber, Plover; Tim (Jill) Renken, Plover. Six grandchildren: Jaide, Jessica, Jackson, Jenna Rae, Graham, and Jonah. One brother: Keith (Joan) Renken, Arcadia, CA. One sister-in-law: Catherine Renken, Potomic Falls, VA. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Randall.
The family would like to thank the many friends and Ministry Home Care Hospice, who helped us through this difficult time.
“Life is a game, play it; Life is a challenge, meet it; Life is opportunity, capture it”
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com
