Renken, William R. 1856 - 1909

RENKEN, HENKE

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 12/22/2022 at 12:06:45

Source: Decorah Republican March 25, 1909, P3 C3

WILL RENKEN DIES SUDDENLY

STRICKEN SUNDAY WHILE WALKING ON THE STREET IN LA CROSSE.
Had Been In the Hospital to See His Wife Who was Recovering from an Operation—Apoplexy was the
Cause.
The sad and shocking news came to Mrs. Matilda M. Renken and her son, H. S. E. Renken, Sunday, that their son and brother Wm. R. Renken of LaCrosse had died suddenly that morning from apoplexy. The details of his death are given in full by Monday’s Daily Leader-Press, from which we quote:--
Life’s uncertainties were never more fully shown than in the sudden taking away of William R. Renken, who was stricken down shortly after 11 o’clock Sunday morning just after leaving the St. Francis hospital where he had visited about 10 minutes with his wife and made arrangements for her return home on Monday morning.
Apparently in the best of health, he left the hospital and walked down Market street, toward town. By the brick wall which surrounds the St. Rose convent, Mr. Renken suddenly fell to the walk. Charles Harrison was walking 10 feet behind him. When he saw his condition he hurried to the hospital and called the house physician and a carriage. Mr. Renkin was still breathing when he arrived at the hospital but expired on entering. He never regained consciousness after falling to the walk.
He had telephoned Fred J. Corry that he would go direct from the hospital to the office of the Adams Express company, by whom he was employed as route agent. Mr. Corry and Thomas W. Burnes, schoolmate and lifelong friend, sat awaiting his coming.
Mrs. Renken had about recovered from a minor operation and the facts were not kept from her. Fulfilling the arrangements made by her husband the day of his death she went to her home, corner of Fourth and Cass streets Monday morning.
Mr. Renken came in from his work Saturday night. His territory extended from Chicago to Duluth with branches in various directions. He had 125 offices in charge and was popular with all the employes under his management and had a wide circle of friends among other officials and in other lines with whom he came in contact.
He was born in Bordentown N. J, on March 7, 52 years ago, and had resided in LaCrosse about 17 years. He was in the express business all of his life. His early years were spent in Decorah, Iowa, where his mother, Mrs. Matilda M. Renken, who is about 87 years of age, still resides and at which place the funeral will be held Tuesday afternoon.
Four brothers also survive: Edward Renken of Missoula, Mont.; R. Renken, of Denver; Theodore Renken of Los Angeles and H. S. E. Renken of Decorah.
Decedent came to LaCrosse from Rock Island, Prairie du Chien was his headquarters before going to the Illinois city.
He was a member of the Shrine at Sioux Falls, Iowa, a Master Mason at Prairie du Chien a member of the Blue lodge at Decorah, a member of the Chapter at Cedar Rapids and of the Elks in LaCrosse.
Services were held at the Masonic temple Monday afternoon Rev. C. N. Moller, rector of Christ Episcopal church, being one of the speakers. The pall beares{sic} were P. H Hough, Fred J. Corry Dr. A. U Jorris, C. H Schweizer, George Schweizer, A. G. Eddy, C. J. Sleer and T. W. Burns.
The body will be taken to Decorah at 10:20 o’clock tonight.
Among those who attend{ed} the services here were Mrs. Renken’s father, Fred Henke, of Duluth, W. H. Renken of Chicago, and F. T. Renken of Winona, nephews of deceased, and a large number of officials of the express companies by which he has been employed for 30 years. Mr. Corry will have charge of his work until he is relieved.
Announcement of Mr. Renken’s death and the services Monday afternoon was made in the various churches of the city Sunday morning.
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To the foregoing the Decorah friends of Mr. Renken can add a testimonial of regard and affection that found full expression in the funeral service held here Tuesday afternoon. From youth his was a genial personality and in his passing only the keenest regret is felt a wealth of sympathy goes out to the bereaved ones and especially to the aged mother for whom the deceased always held a most tender regard, and to his wife.

Transcriber’s Note: Find a Grave shows he was born in 1856 and is buried in Phelps Cemetery.

Phelps Cemetery
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Jeff Getchell.
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