Wanda & family: our sympathy is extended in your loss of Chuck. Our thoughts & prayers are with you at this difficult time. As you celebrate his full life, may the memories shared make Heaven feel closer. Jim & Jean Snyder
Charles Edward Renken
December 10, 1943 – February 23, 2021
With heavy hearts, the family of Charles Edward Renken, 77, announce he died peacefully with his family by his side on February 23, 2021 at the St. Cloud Hospital after a 16 month bout with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Charles was born on December 10, 1943 to George and Katheryn Renken in George, Iowa. He grew up farming with his family and attended school in a one room school house. He served in the United States Navy and later graduated from the Brainerd Technical College. He worked for St. Cloud State University for 28 years as the Lead Mechanic and retired in 2010. After retirement he enjoyed restoring tractors and small farm equipment and riding his Harley Davidson. He was a member of the Sauk Rapids VFW, St. Cloud Eagles Club and St. Cloud Lions Club.
In 1970 he met the love of his life, Wanda. They married in 1973, and he raised her five children as his own. Over the years they often told him he was the best thing that could ever have happened to and for them. He was a kind and loving husband and father, and a friend to everyone he met. He was the kind of guy that would pull over and help anyone with car trouble, or just to make sure they were ok. He was known for his amazing breakfasts. His sense of humor, quick wit, love and practical jokes will be missed greatly.
He is survived by his wife, Wanda, children Kimberly Allen (Mark), Karl Renken (Lucia), Kristi McDonnell, and Kelly Renken (Lynn), grandchildren, Nick Allen (Alvin), Kelsey Allen-Odeneal (Freddy), Hannah Renken, Jack Renken, and Katie Renken, and great grandchildren Jordan, Mila, Julian, and Cori. He is also survived by his brother Robert Renken and sister Jeanelle Johnson and his beloved Kitty Cat.
He was preceded in death by his son Kurt (1988), and his parents.
There will be a visitation at Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud from 4:00 to 7:00PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 7:00PM on Friday, February 26, 2021. Masks are required.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Coborn’s Cancer Center and the St. Cloud Hospital for their excellent care and treatment.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Coborn’s Cancer Center.
Guestbook
I am thinking of you and your children as you mourn the death of your beloved Chuck. May you feel His presence and loving care of you. In His Love, Karen & Harvard
I extend my sympathy and prayers to Chuck’s family. I knew him for 25 years at SCSU. Chuck was very helpful and was quick to adapt to many changes that happened over that time. When I would see him at the shop it was always pleasant to visit with him for a moment.
i am sad to hear of his passing. will inform my father
My deepest love and sympathy to Chuck’s family and friends! I worked with him in the Maintenance Dept. and Bldgs & Grounds at SCSU for many years! He was one of the best and I so enjoyed him and his stories! Rest in Peace, Chuck ~ until we meet again!
Wanda, so sorry to hear about losing a
cousin! Mom loved hearing from you guys, and we loved visiting with you at the reunions! God Bless you during this sad time. Prayers and Sympathy, Bonnie
So sorry to hear of the passing of Chuck. I’ve got fun memories of snowmobiling, beer drinking and lots of laughs with Chuck and Wanda in Duelm. He was a good guy who was good to my sister and her kids. He’ll be missed.
Dear Wanda, so sorry for your loss. Remember hearing stories about your love and marriage to Charles from our trip to Jamaica. What a wonderful man married to a wonderful woman.
PS. Remember our prayer to St Anthony in finding the key to the medical room 😊😊
My condolences and prayers to your entire family. I should have made it a point to have “one more” with him! Love each other.
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of Chuck.🙏. For the few times we visited, we knew he was a great guy who dearly loved his family. Much Love to you, Cousin Wanda!
So sorry for the passing of Chuck. I thank him for his service he dedicated to this country. Always very friendly and respectful to all. Always very proud of his family.
Rest In Peace, Chuck.
God Bless!
Services
Visitation
Daniel Funeral Home, St. CloudServices
Daniel Funeral Home, St. CloudSchedule Details
There will be a visitation at Daniel Funeral Home in St. Cloud from 4:00 to 7:00PM, followed by a Memorial Service at 7:00PM on Friday, February 26, 2021. Masks are required.