Renken, Everdena 1922-2009

RENKEN, EVINK, VAN DYKE

Posted By: Mary Holub, volunteer (email)
Date: 10/6/2009 at 18:57:31

From: Le Mars Daily Sentine, October 6, 2009

Everdena Renken, 87, of Akron, died Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, at the Wakonda Heritage Manor in Wakonda, S.D.

Everdena Renken was born Aug. 9, 1922, in Spencer, the daughter of Cornelius "Case" and Alice (Evink) Van Dyke. She moved with her family to Rock Valley where she was raised and received her education.

Everdena was united in marriage to Herman Renken Oct. 8, 1953, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron. Together, they farmed and raised their sons until they moved to Akron in the spring of 1964. Herman died March 2, 2006. For the past few years, Everdena moved to South Dakota to be closer to her family.

Everdena was a longtime member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Akron. For many years, she and Herman would sit in the same church pew, near the "plugs." They enjoyed going fishing in their earlier years. She also enjoyed playing games, especially "Sorry," and most recently, playing bingo at the nursing home.

She had a talent for sewing quilt tops for the church throughout the years. Everdena loved reading the newspaper, and to send and receive cards from her family and friends.

But most of all, she loved the times spent with her family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Grateful for having shared in her life are her sons: Wendell Renken and his wife Mary of Longmont, Colo., and Donald Renken and his wife Linda of Volin, S.D.; three grandchildren: Lisa Eutsler and her husband Randy and their children, Mitch, Jordan, and Reiley; Jeremy Renken and his wife Jami and their son, Noah, and Chad Renken and his wife Stacey and their children, Lainey, Ashton, and Tucker; three sisters: Tillie Helgerson of Rock Valley, Alice Hanson and her husband Richard of Casper, Wyo., and Kay DeVos of Rock Valley; a sister-in-law: Edith Renken of Le Mars; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Herman; her son: Robert Renken; three brothers: John, Tony, and Gerrit Van Dyke; and two sisters: Angeline Van Dyke and Bertha Rhods.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A. in Akron. the Rev. Jean Morse and the Rev. Anna Peck will officiate. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Akron. Visitation will be after 3 p.m. today (Tuesdaay) with the family present after 6 p.m., and a prayer service at 7 p.m., all at Carlsen Funeral Home - Schroeder Chapel in Akron.