Christian Biography of Loren A. Renz

Loren Alvin Renz, the son of Ludwig and Clara (Fangmeyer) Renz, was born on April 5, 1928 on a farm near Byron, Nebraska. He passed away on December 4, 2015 at the Superior Good Samaritan Society at Superior, Nebraska at the age of 87 years, 7 months, 29 days.

Loren went to District 92 grade school and graduated from Deshler High School. He was baptized on April 29, 1928 and confirmed on June 28, 1942 at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Byron by Pastor Wiemer J. Heuer. After graduating Loren worked on the family farm and drove truck until 1950 when he entered the US Army. In his own words he describes much of his life history to follow. He was on the front line during the Korean War from June of 51 to May of 52 where he was wounded and received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Medal and became a Sergeant and Squad Leader. He went through some really bad battles and was glad to make it back with only one wound. Loren was in a documentary film on the "Korean War" shown on over 30 PBS stations plus South Korea, Japan and Taiwan. He is also mentioned in the book which the film was named after. The first time the film was shown was in the Imax in Branson, Missouri before a full house.

On May 2, 1954 he was united in marriage to Esther Forden at Diller, Nebraska. They moved to Superior and for a short time he worked at a business that made ice and ice cream. Superior Deshler needed help so he went to work for them. They sold propane and went into the fertilizer and chemical business. The last 17 years he worked for them, he became manager and retired after 41 years and then his son Steve took over. His son Bruce still works there. His oldest son Brian is in Oklahoma City and works as a bank president, son Robert is in Tulsa and does upholstery work and daughter Edith is in Hastings and is secretary for a church.

Loren has served on the Nuckolls County Historical Society Board, the Cadams School Board, the Superior Utility Board and Zoning Adjustment Board, served as a Centennial Lutheran Church Trustee and a trustee for the VFW. He recently attended his 65th class reunion and in 2010 gave the Patriotic Address on Veterans Day at the Deshler Public Schools and Deshler Lutheran Schools. He has shown his film, "We Called It War" to many, many organizations, schools and theatres. Loren was able to attend the Korean War Honor Flight to Washington DC in 2013.

He spent a lot of his pastime telling many about his military career but also enjoyed making bird feeders, farming, gardening, working in his yard and his many attempts at wine making from grapes in his vineyard. He loved all of his children and grandchildren and enjoyed fishing with his grandkids, playing and telling them stories.

Loren was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Duane Renz, sister, Ethel Kuhlmann, brother-in-law, Victor Kuhlmann and a grandson, Christopher Renz.

He is survived by his wife Esther of Superior, sons, Brian Renz and wife Barbara of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Steven Renz and wife Phyllis and Bruce Renz and wife Lori all of Superior, Robert Renz and fiancé Erika of Tulsa, Oklahoma and his daughter Edith Wheeler and husband Gordon of Hastings, Nebraska. 17 grandchildren, Matthew Renz, Mary Beth Renz, Bethany Renz, Ryan Renz, Heather Silver, Holly Oman, Heidi and husband Nathan Doher, Eric and wife Lisa Wheeler, John Wheeler, Gina Wheeler, Kenny Walters, Aaron and wife Denise Renz, Luke Renz, Chelsea Renz, Zachary Renz, Alexander and wife Lauren Renz and Aubrey Renz and 10 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sister-in-laws, Doris Renz of Parkridge, Illinois, Janet Kuhlmann of Superior and Minnie Koenig and husband Paul of Beatrice, Nebraska along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 at 10:00 am from the Megrue-Price Funeral Home in Superior, Nebraska with Pastor Patrick Flynn officiating.

Music was "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and "How Great Thou Art" with Stephanie Thayer as soloist. A congregational hymn, "Lift High The Cross" was sung. Heather Dahl was organist and accompanist.


Pallbearers were John Wheeler, Eric Wheeler, Ryan Renz, Luke Renz, Zach Renz, Aaron Renz, Matthew Renz and Alex Renz. Honorary pallbearers were Gina Wheeler, Kenny Walters, Mary Beth Renz, Bethany Renz, Chelsea Renz, Aubrey Renz, Heather Silver, Holly Oman and Heidi Doher.

Interment with full military honors was in the Evergreen Cemetery at Superior, Nebraska.

A memorial has been established and can go in care of the family.

Condolences may be sent to Megrue-Price Funeral Home, 750 N Commercial, Superior, Nebraska 68978 or in care of www.pricefuneralhomes.com.

Megrue-Price Funeral Home of Superior, Nebraska was in charge of the arrangements.