Gerald G Rens

GERALD G RENS

John was on our January 1970 Roster and sadly passed on 5 Jan 2020.

PHOTOS

I was not able to find photos for Gerald.

BIRTH 21 May 1948, Orange City, Sioux County, Iowa, USA
DEATH 5 Jan 2008 (aged 59), Rochester, Olmsted County, Minnesota, USA

BURIAL - Hope Cemetery, Hull, Sioux County, Iowa, USA , MEMORIAL ID 84301963

OBITUARY

Mr. Gerald Rens, age 59, of Hull, IA was welcomed to his eternal home in heaven on Saturday, January 5, 2008, at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, with the family he loved by his side. Gerald was born on May 21, 1948, in Orange City, the son of Gerrit and Christina (Sybesma) Rens. He was raised on a farm near Hull, where he attended the Boyden-Hull Schools. On September 28, 1966, he married Shirley Van Oort in Hull. They made their home on the farm where he was raised.

Gerald enlisted in the United States Army in January of 1967. In May of 1968, he was called to duty in the Vietnam Conflict, where he proudly served in the 101st Airborne Division. Our records indicate he served again in 70-71. He was a member of the First Christian Reformed Church. He was also an active member of the Wegman-Koele American Legion Post in Hull, where he served as Sergeant of the Color Guard and Firing Squad. He farmed most of his life with his father and brother and was a postal carrier for several years. In earlier years, Mr. Rens spent his free time harness and barrel racing horses. He embraced life, and his passion was his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and golfing. Many memories were made on family camping vacations.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle; his father, Gerrit; and his wife's parents. Survivors are his wife of 41 years, Shirley; three daughters, Rochelle (Mark) Vaandrager of Rock Valley, Melissa (Shad) Kats of Hull and Shanna (Steve) Cannegieter of Rock Valley; eight grandchildren; his mother, Christina Rens, of Hull; a sister, Mary (Dale) Pollema of Rock Valley; a brother, Dave (Bev) Rens of Hull; and his wife's brothers and sisters. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Michelle; his father, Gerrit; and his wife's parents. Memorials may be directed to the Hull and the Rock Valley Christian Schools.