Michael Eugene RENKEN

RENKEN, SUMMERS, MCNEILL, GILL, HERR, ACKERMAN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 2/22/2011 at 10:32:45

April 14, 1959 -- February 20, 2011

BRADGATE, IA - Michael E. Renken, 51, of Bradgate, passed away February 20, 2011 at the Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge. A celebration of Mike's life will begin at 1:00 p.m. Saturday at the Bradgate Fire Station. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Mason-Lindhart Funeral Home in Humboldt.

Michael Eugene Renken, the son of Virgil and Ruth (Ackerman) Renken, was born April 14, 1959 at Fort Dodge, Iowa and was raised and educated at Gilmore City. On July 31, 1977, he was united in marriage to Starla Summers at the First Lutheran Church in Gilmore City. The couple made their homes in the communities of Eagle Grove and Bradgate where Mike was employed by Ellsworth Truck Lines, the Gilmore City quarry, and John's Ag. From 1979 until 1992, he was a member of the Iowa National Guard 194th Batallion in Fort Dodge. For the past eleven years Mike has been employed by Martin-Marietta in Gilmore City until the time of his passing.

Mike was a Mark Martin fan and loved watching NASCAR. He liked working on his trucks and cars and was always available to help his friends. He was a member of the Bradgate Fire Department and the Claire American Legion Post. Mike especially loved spoiling his grandson, Saige. He is survived by his wife, Starla of Bradgate; children, Travis (Shelly) Renken of Dakota City, Todd (Alex) Renken of Ankeny, and Jeanette Renken of Bradgate; grandson, Saige Michael Renken; brother, Dan (Joan) Renken of Humboldt; mother and father-in-law, Walt and Norma Summers of Bradgate; sister-in-laws, Leslie (Roger McNeill) Renken of Humboldt, Shelly (Bryan) Gill of Eagle Grove, and Laurie (Rod) Herr of Eagle Grove; brother-in-law, Craig (Vicki) Summers of Fort Dodge; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Sharon Renken; and brother, Tom "Chugger" Renken.

February 22, 2011
Fort Dodge Messenger, Iowa