Michael A. ‘Mike’ Renken, 61, of Merrill passed away on Thursday, October 15, 2020 under the care of his family and hospice services. Mike was born August 3, 1959 in Merrill, son of David and Theresa (Wianecki) Renken. Mike was a 1978 graduate of Merrill Senior High School where he lettered in both football and wrestling. He was currently employed as a custodian at Zion Lutheran Church, Wausau, and also worked part-time at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill. At an early age Mike developed a love for hunting bear with hounds. Throughout his life, Mike cared deeply for his hunting dogs, raising most of them from pups. Mike also enjoyed hunting deer, coyotes, and bobcats. Mike loved to watch his grandkids race four wheelers. He also enjoyed car trips to northern Wisconsin where he could explore Wisconsin’s backroads and wilderness. Mike was a very social person and enjoyed visiting with family and friends.
Mike is survived by his daughter, Jenna (Zach) Lezotte of Merrill; his son, Chris Renken (with, Robyn Marinelli) of Merrill; his parents, David and Theresa Renken of Merrill; six grandchildren, Mason, Caden, Emberly, Lexi, Braxton, and Jersey; his sister, Pam (William ‘Bill’) Switalski of Des Plaines, Illinois; his brother, Alan (Doreen) Renken of Merrill; and his former spouse, Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Renken of Merrill, and her daughter, Melissa (Jesse) Tessmer and their children Erik and Kira.
The funeral will be at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 24, 2020 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Adam Rodriquez will officiate. Burial will follow in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM Friday at the church, and again at 9:30 AM Saturday also at the church. WEARING A MASK AND SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE CHURCH DURING BOTH THE VISITATION AND THE FUNERAL. The Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill is assisting the family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.