David R. Renken, age 85, of the Town of Pine River, Lincoln County, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2022, at Marshfield Medical Center – Marshfield. David was born August 16, 1937, in Merrill, son of the late Ulrich and Adela (Dengel) Renken. After graduation from high school, David served in the National Guard. He married Theresa Wianecki on October 18, 1958, at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Schofield. She survives. David worked at Mosinee Paper Mill then took a job with Bosio Construction. He worked 11 years at Wausau Paper Mill-Brokaw. He worked in the Chicago area in a lumberyard and driving school bus for the Willmett, Illinois school district. David also dairy farmed in the Town of Pine River for 28 years. David and Terry’s farm was called ‘Da-Ter Farms’ and had all registered cattle. David loved hunting and was an avid bear hunter. He also hunted bobcat, coyote, and deer. He was a founding member of the Lincoln County Sports Club and founding father of bringing bear hunting into the area. David also brought bluetick hounds into bear hunting. He loved his hunting dogs. He was also a founding member of the Pine River Volunteer Fire Department. David enjoyed watching Texas Stars and Chicago Blackhawks hockey. He also enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers.
Survivors include his wife, Theresa ‘Terry’ Renken of Merrill; children, Pam (William ‘Bill’) Switalski of Des Plaines, Illinois and Alan (Doreen) Renken of Merrill; grandchildren, Jenna (Zach) Lezotte of Merrill, Chris Renken (Robyn Marinelli) of Merrill, Matt (Ashley) Renken of Rogers, Minnesota, Anthony (Becky) Renken of Merrill,Melissa (Jesse) Tessmer of Milwaukee, and Heather Young of Madison; great-grandchildren, Mason, Caden, Emberly, Lexi, Braxton, Jersey, Hunter, Harley,Erik and Kira; sister, Mae Eckardt of Brookfield; sisters-in-law, Pat Lahr of Wausau; Rose Windorskiof California; Rosemary Wianecki of Eagle River; Carol Scheel of Wausau; and Sharon (Lenny) Koziel of Wausau; brothers-in-law, Ray (Betty) Wianecki of Mosinee and Marvin (Donna) Hartwig of Merrill; and many special friends including Alice Penegor of Merrill. David was preceded in death by his son, Michael Renken; parents, Ulrich and Adela Renken; sisters, Janice (Jim) Framke, Joyce (Jack) Bitcon, and Lorene Renken; brother, John P. (Barbara A.) Renken; brothers-in-law, Donald Eckardt, Ray Windorski, Joseph Wianecki, and Stanley Wianecki; and nephew, Rick Renken.
The funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 4, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Burial will take place at Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery with graveside military rites conducted by V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard. Visitation will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill and again at the church after 10:00 A.M. Friday. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. The family requests that any memorials be given to the Pine River Volunteer Fire Department in memory of David Renken. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com