Estella M. Renn, 90, a longtime Harrison area resident, passed away Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022 at Aspirus St. Mary Hospital in Rhinelander.
Estell was born Aug. 18, 1932 in Tomahawk to Henry and Agnes (Gleisner) Van Harpen. She was united in marriage on July 25, 1953 to John P. Renn, also in Tomahawk. She and John farmed in the Harrison area for many years and she spent 10 years working at the Harrison Mercantile. She was a faithful member of St. Augustine Catholic Church in Harrison.
Estell is survived by nine children – Mark (Dr. Leigh Anderson) Renn, Colorado, Norbert (Richelle Beene) Renn, Rhinelander, Joan (Ted) Ballweg, Verona, Karen (Vince) Ippolito, Arizona, Marlene (John) Mauer, Utah, Bev (Michael) Mello, Arizona, Jack (Dawn Pearson) Renn, Harrison, Sheryl (Dr. Jeff) Chism, Merrill and Lori (Todd) Lemmen, Michigan. She is further survived by 32 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are Estell’s three sisters – Ceil Roberts, Loretta Swan, and Connie Gavin, all of Tomahawk. She was preceded in death by her husband – John, daughter – Marie, three grandchildren, and her brother – Peter Van Harpen.
Estella loved her family dearly, and her happiest times were family gatherings. She loved to go fishing, especially with her children and grandchildren. She also enjoyed gardening, bird-watching, and playing cards with friends. She was loved dearly by her large family and many friends and will be greatly missed. She had a great sense of humor and positive energy. Estella left her children and grandchildren a legacy of love, fun, and laughter.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Augustine Catholic Church on Nov. 5, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow in the parish cemetery. The Renn family will receive friends at the Krueger Family Funeral Home, Tomahawk, on Friday night, Nov. 4, from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. with a parish vigil service at 6:30 p.m. And at the church on Nov. 5 morning from 10 a.m. until the time of mass at 11 a.m.
Krueger Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. You may view the obituary and share online condolences at www.kruegerfamilyfuneral.com.
Memorials are appreciated to: Spina Bifida Assocation, www.spinabifidaassociation.org/ways-to-donate/; Lymphoma Research Foundation, www.bit.ly/3spEgkO.
Both have had an impact on our family.