Rens, John L. 1925-2007

RENS, WILLEMSEN, KRAAYENBRINK

Posted By: Mary Lou Verburg Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/17/2015 at 16:55:18

Born: August 22, 1925 Near Hull, Iowa
Died: January 17, 2007 Sioux Falls, South Dakota

John L. Rens, 81 of Rock Rapids died Wed. Jan. 17, at Sioux Valley Hospital in Sioux Falls.

Funeral service was 10:30 a.m. at the Christian Reformed Church in Rock Rapids with the Rev. Cliff Hoekstra officiating. Burial was in Hope Cemetery in Hull.

Rens was born on Aug. 22 1925, on the family farm south of Hull in Sioux County, the son of Lamert and Mary (Willemsen) Rens. He attended country school in Welcome Township #4. He remained with his parents after school and helped with the family farm. He married Nellie Kraayenbrink on Dec. 13, 1945, by the Rev. Oliver Breen. After his father retired from farming, the couple took over the duties of the farm and were blessed with the birth of six children. They became the fourth generation of the Rens family to attend the First Christian Reformed Church in Hull where all of their children were baptized. During his farming years, John and his boys enjoyed raising purebred pig stock and showing them at area fairs. The couple retired from farming in 1969. They moved to Rochester, MN where they became assistant managers at Prows Motel and Apartment complex. He helped his wife with the management of the motel while working at a greenhouse. They attended the Church of the Savior where he served in the consistory. In 1975 they moved to Windsor, CO, for a year and a half. In 1976 they bought Jay's Motel in Rock Rapids and also worked part-time for Rock Rapids Municipal Housing and later as janitor at the Rock Rapids Post Office. In his retirement years, he spent time doing woodworking.

He was a member of the Christian Reformed Church in Rock Rapids. He will be remembered for his devotion to his faith family, his unselfish nature and his good sense of humor.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Nellie of Rock Rapids; four sons, Albert and fiance Laurie Alesch of Ireton, Lammert (Sandy) of Spirit Lake, Bernard (Gwynne) of Gilbertsville, PA, and Ronald (Lori) of Sioux Falls; two daughters; Marilyn Vugteveen of Okoboji and Donna (Trent) Fuoss of Rock Rapids; 13 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law, Christine Rens of Hull, Chris Rens of Hull and Luella Rens of Orange City.

He was preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers.

Source: Local Paper after 1/17/2007