Timothy Renken

Timothy Richard Renken, 61, of Otterville, died at 4:17 p.m., Monday, July 17, 2017 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, Mo. after being diagnosed with colon cancer in mid June.He was born in Jerseyville on July 12, 1956, and was the oldest of six sons born to Herbert Richard "Dick" and Ethel Marie (Trask) Renken.Growing up in a rowdy family of all boys, Tim learned early on the value of family, which is something he cherished throughout his life.  He graduated in 1975 from Jersey Community High School, and soon entered the U.S. Army.He married the former Carrie Towell on Aug. 22, 1976 at the Otterville Southern Baptist Church, and the two soon scooted off to Fort Bliss, Texas where they began their married life.  The next forty years would see many up and downs, along with the addition of five wonderful  children.  Their home was filled with love, and the teachings of Jesus Christ.Tim was a devoted Christian, and loved his Lord deeply.  A member of the Otterville Baptist Church, and has served on virtually every committee.  He was a Sunday School Superintendent, a Deacon, and was passionate about his commitment to the youth; in addition to serving as President of the Otter Creek Historical Society.Speaking of passion, deer hunting came close to the top, and if you ask his children, they might tell you that superceded them at times, as you didn't find a picture of them on his mouse pad at work, but that of one of his prized wall hangers at home.  He enjoyed the time spent in nature with his family, and the trips to Southern Illinois with his good friend, Donald Sprinot, who recently passed away.He obtained an Associates Degree from Lewis & Clark Community College in Godfrey, and like so many others, never worked in the field.  Instead, he found himself at Principia College in Elsah where he began in 1981, and was currently serving as the store room manager in the Food Service Department.Surviving are his wife, Carrie Renken of Otterville;  five children and a daughter in law, Amanda Renken of Jerseyville, Christian Renken at home, Timothy "TJ" Renken at home, Andrew and Sadie Renken of Jerseyville, and Joseph Renken at home; five brothers and sisters in law, Rev. Modell "Sonny" Renken of Alton, James and Jane Renken of Jerseyville, John and Teena Renken of White Hall, Tony and Donna Renken of Otterville, and Keith and Donna Renken of Jerseyville; along with his mother in law, Helen Towell.In addition to his parents,  Tim was preceded in death by a sister in law, Patty (Fenstermaker) Renken; a nephew, William Dean Renken; and two nieces, Michelle Ann Renken and Kelsey Ann Pace; and his father in law, Charles Towell.Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m., Sunday at the Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.Funeral Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Monday at the Otterville Southern Baptist Church, with his brother, Rev. Sonny Renken officiating.He will be laid to rest in the Noble Cemetery in Otterville with the Jerseyville American Legion Post 492 conducting military graveside rites.Memorials may be given to the funeral home, and will be used to assist the family in placing a tombstone in his honor at the cemetery.Tim was deeply loved and respected, and will be missed beyond words, however, we rejoice in knowing that he is now with his Lord and knows no more pain, and in the words of his friend, Pastor Bo Schultz......."the deer are much safer now".

Obit Provided By:
Crawford Funeral Home