Dwight "Cupcake" Renfro 1931-2010

RENFRO MANHOLD

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 3/15/2011 at 16:42:37

Sioux City Journal
13 August 2010

SIOUX CITY -- Our father, Dwight "Cupcake" Renfro passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010, at his residence in Sioux City following a brief illness.

Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home, with the Rev. Michael Erpelding officiating. Private graveside services will be at a later date. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. today, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online to christysmith.com.

Dad was born Dwight Wendell Renfro, on Oct. 6, 1931, in Madison, Neb., to Owen "Shorty" and Rose Tevis-Renfro. He was the fifth of six children. His family moved to Sioux City when he was a little boy, and he was a life-long resident. Dwight attended Sioux City schools, graduating from East High School in 1950. He joined the U.S. Army in 1951. He served on homeland and abroad during the Korean War, then served six years with the Army Reserves.

"Cupcake" was employed with Wonder Bread as a route sales person. For 25 years, he was a Teamster with the Local Union 383. Upon retirement, he helped manage the Crosstown and Paxton Taverns. He belonged to the SABRE organization.

He married Eleanor Manhold in April 1954. Following his marriage to Eleanor, he and Susie Miler were together for 16 years.

Dwight was an avid golfer and enjoyed his last round at Covington Links just a few weeks ago. He passed on his enjoyment of golf to all five of his children. In June 2003, he had the thrill of getting a hole in one. He was president of Morningside Country Club, where he was very active. He belonged to several golf, cribbage, pool and dart leagues. A sports fanatic, he cheered for his beloved Broncos, Celtics and Hawkeyes. His favorite spot was sitting outside his apartment with his ducks, crows and indoor furniture. Most of all, he loved his family.

Left to cherish his memory are five children, Tom Renfro of Cedar Falls, Iowa, Mark Renfro and his wife, Barb of Sioux City, Risa Marx and her husband, Scott of Sioux City, Kelly Renfro and his wife, Sue of Sioux City and Megan Griesel and her husband, Eddie of Waukee, Iowa; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and two granddogs. He is survived by four brothers and their wives; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jeryll; and a sister-in-law, Ann Renfro.

Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Heather Berkenpas and her husband, Guy, Ryan Renfro, Josh Marx, Ross Renfro, Marissa Marx, Karl Renfro, Kasey Renfro, Jonathan Griesel, Madyson Berkenpas and Brody Berkenpas.

We want to thank Dr. Mitchell for all the years you were the "big guy's" doctor. Thanks also to his nurse at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, Sherlock, and to Hospice of Siouxland for all your care.

To dad, thanks for giving us life and teaching us to live life to the fullest. We will always remember your sense of humor, quick wit and "pearls of wisdom". We will cherish your memory until we see you again.