Rens, Alvin 1936-2017

RENS, PETERS, KRIKKE

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:33

BORN
July 7, 1936
Orange City, Iowa

PASSED AWAY
October 24, 2017
Sanborn, Iowa

FUNERAL SERVICE
10:30 A.M. Saturday, October 28, 2017
Immanuel Christian Reformed Church
Sheldon, Iowa
Rev. Kevin Muyskens ~ Officiating

 VISITATION
 Family present from 5 – 7 P.M.
on Friday, October 27, 2017
at the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon

MUSIC
“You Are Mine”
Sung by: Tammy Lief
CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS
Family Processional ~ “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”
“On Eagle’s Wings”
Family Recessional ~ “Because He Lives”
Pianist: Jill Schemper

CASKET BEARERS
Grandchildren
Dominic Buren                                   Ashley Klein
Brittany Buren                                   Alyssa Buren
Alexander Rens                                    Randi Rens

FINAL RESTING PLACE
East Lawn Cemetery
Sheldon, Iowa
Flag Presentation by:
McGlothlen-Cowie American Legion Post #145 of Sheldon. 

After today’s graveside service, relatives and
friends are invited to join the family in the
fellowship hall of the church.

Arrangements are under the care of the
Vander Ploeg Funeral Home; Sheldon, Iowa. 
 

Alvin Rens
 
      Alvin Rens, son of Bert and Alice (Peters) Rens was born on July 7, 1936. He attended Newkirk grade school and graduated from Western Christian in 1954. He was inducted into the armed forces December 2, 1958 for two years. On May 3, 1963, he was united in marriage to Shirley Mae Krikke. They made most of their married life in Sheldon where Alvin owned and operated Sheldon Roofing Company and roofed for several years. He then worked for Sheldon Rides Bus. Shortly after retirement; he worked for Sheldon Christian Grade School as a custodian. Working at Sheldon Christian was a joy for him. He loved engaging with the kids and would often be known as grandpa to them while being good friends with all of the staff there as well. In his leisure time, he also thoroughly enjoyed mowing lawns for Sheldon Christian School and Immanuel Christian Reformed Church. In 2013 they moved into the Sheldon Christian Retirement Home. On October 19, 2016, his loving wife Shirley, after 53 years of marriage, went to be with the Lord. Later, in August 2017, Alvin was diagnosed with esophageal cancer. In September 2017, Al moved to Prairie View Manor where he passed away on October 24, 2017, reaching 81 years, 3 months and 17 days.
     Alvin was a member of Immanuel Christian Reformed Church and always loved his church family. Throughout his life, he enjoyed going on fishing trips with family and friends. He was never at a loss to tell everyone about one of his old fishing tales. In his spare time, Alvin enjoyed going out for coffee, playing cards with fellow friends at the retirement home, going out to eat with family and friends and was often seen going out for a car ride around town daily. His children and grandchildren were a very important part of his life. He loved watching his grandkids participate in their activities, spending time with them and sharing many jokes and laughs. He loved them so very much. He will be dearly missed by all including his dog Sophie.
     Those left to cherish his memory are his children and their spouses: Kevin and Amy Rens of Louisville, Colorado; Lisa and Rick Klein and Kerri and Dane Buren both of Sheldon; six grandchildren, Alexander and Randi Rens, Ashley Klein and her fiancé, Scott Greiner, Dominic, Brittany and Alyssa Buren; one sister her spouse, Jean and Ken Vermeer of Buena Vista, California; brothers-in-law and their spouses, Leroy and Sherry Krikke of California and Howard and Alvina Krikke of Sheldon; two sisters-in-law, Noreen Krikke of Sheldon and Janet Rens of Sioux Center; also nieces; nephews other relatives and friends.
     Alvin was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley, their parents, siblings, Hermina Bosma, John Rens and Kathryn Santema.
 
 
Gone Fishing
 
I’ve finished life’s chores assigned to me,
 
So put me on a boat headed out to sea.
 
Please send along my fishing pole
 
For I’ve been invited to the fishin’ hole.
 
Where every day is a day to fish,
 
To fill your hearts with every wish.
 
Don’t worry, or feel sad for me,
 
I’m fishin’ with the Master of the sea,
 
We will miss each other for awhile,
 
But you will come and bring your smile.
 
That won’t be long your will see,
 
Till we’re together you and me.
 
To all those that think of me,
 
Be happy as I go out to sea.
 
If others wonder why I’m missin’
 
Just tell 'em I’ve gone fishin’
 
 
 
Source: Vander Ploeg Funeral Home online obituary.