Rensink, Gerrit "Ted" J.) 1918-2015
RENSINK, SCHOLTEN, VANLOH
Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting (email)
Date: 10/26/2015 at 16:42:42
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
GERRIT “TED” J. RENSINKBORN
March 5, 1918
Boyden, IowaPASSED AWAY
September 28, 2015
Sheldon, IowaFUNERAL SERVICE
10:30 A.M. Friday, October 2, 2015
Ashton Bible Church; Ashton, Iowa
Rev. Dan Kunnari ~ OfficiatingVisitation with the family present will be
from 5:00 – 7:00pm on Thursday, October 1, 2015
at the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon, Iowa.SCRIPTURE READINGS
Great Grandchildren
Ashton ~ Lamentations 3:21-27
Ava ~ Philippians 4:1-8MUSIC
“Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
Violin Solo by: Angie MorleyCONGREGATIONAL HYMN
“The Solid Rock”
Pianist: Angie MorleyCASKETBEARERS
Paul Rensink Jeff Rensink
Daryl Slykhuis Alan Slykhuis
Jeff Slykhuis Jim Van LohFINAL RESTING PLACE
Gilman Township Cemetery
Ashton, Iowa
Military Graveside Service
9:45 A.M. Friday, October 2, 2015
by the: Sheldon American Legion McGlothlen-Cowie
Post #145 of Sheldon, IAAfter today’s service, relatives and friends are invited to join the family in the Ashton American Legion Hall in Ashton.
Arrangements are under the care of the
Vander Ploeg Funeral Home; Sheldon, Iowa.GERRIT “TED” J. RENSINK
Ted, the son of Joe and Hattie (Scholten) Rensink was born March 5, 1918, on the family farm in Grant Township near Boyden, Iowa. He attended Grant Country School for eight years and then graduated from Boyden High School in 1935. During the next few years, while working as a hired hand, he met Katie Van Loh at the Ashton (Iowa) Presbyterian Church. For him, it was love at first sight, but Ted was also registered for the draft in Sioux County and was quickly called enter the military service. He did his basic army training at Camp Claiborne in Claiborne, Louisiana, and took the adjustment in stride: “I was an adult. I had been a hired hand and knew how to follow orders.” When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Ted’s group was moved out, and, over the course of ensuing events, he qualified for and became a member of the very first division of U.S. Army Rangers. He proudly served as Staff Sergeant in the Rangers engaging in hand-to-hand combat in North Africa, Italy, and Sicily in WWII. He was awarded the Bronze Star and twice awarded the Silver Star for bravery in combat, one coming personally from Gen. George Patton.
After returning home on furlough, Ted and Katie married on January 12, 1944, at the Ashton Presbyterian Church by the Rev. Arnold Langenberg. Following his military discharge in 1945, they spent the majority of their married life west of Ashton where they entertained the joys and challenges of farming, raising livestock and family life. They became the parents of Barbara Rensink Waddell, Edina, MN, and Ken Rensink, Edina, MN.
Ted was a member of the Ashton Bible Church serving many years on the church board and leading worship. He also enjoyed working on the boards of the AMPI and O’Brien County Creamery.
In 1984, Ted and Katie moved to Sheldon where they made their home. Ted volunteered in Kiwanis, Sheldon Hospital Auxiliary and the Sheldon Park Board, including the Avenue of Flags and Marigold Flower Committee. He served a term on the Sheldon City Council and also was a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee of O’Brien County, Prairie Arts Museum Board and Sheldon American Legion.
Known for his gifted tenor voice, Ted sang at many, many weddings and church services for much of his life.
He loved to engage in conversation with anyone he met and was a faithful sender of cards and letters to family members and friends. His positive attitude toward each day was exemplary.
Above all in importance for Ted was his faith in Jesus Christ and unconditional love for family. For this, his children are extremely grateful, believing it to be the greatest legacy for family and friends in years to come.
He is survived by his children, Barbara and Ken, granddaughter, Amy (Rick) Hendel, great grandchildren, Ava Hendel and Ashton Hendel.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Katie; his parents, Joe and Hattie Rensink; his brothers, Bernard Rensink, Howard Rensink, Lawrence Rensink, and his sister, Wilma Tott.
The Solid Rock
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus' blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean on Jesus' name. On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound, Oh, may I then in Him be found, Clothed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before the throne! On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.Source: Vander Ploeg Funeral Home online obituary.
Sioux Obituaries maintained by Linda Ziemann.
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