Francis J. Renz, age 86, passed away on Friday, December 2, 2016 at the Brookdale in Sun Prairie. He was born on June 11, 1930 to Anthony and Hilda (Ruffeis) Renz. He grew up in Sun Prairie, was the eldest of six children. Fran went to Sacred Hearts School first through tenth grade and Sun Prairie High School. As a Junior in High School he met the love of his life Lois. Fran then joined the U.S. Air Force. He married Lois Harvey on December 29, 1951 at Sacred Hearts Catholic Church. The couple lived in England during Fran's continued Air Force Service, Their 1st daughter Jean was born in England. Upon discharge after 4 year's Fran and Lois returned to Sun Prairie. Fran started his studies in business and accounting at U.W. Madison where he became an enthusiastic Badger fan. After preliminary jobs he secured a position at Cuna Mutual Insurance Company where he worked for 31 years as an accountant. He also worked many Saturdays for over 20 years as an usher at Camp Randall Stadium where he helped cheer the Badgers on to many victories. Fran and Lois had a 2nd daughter Francine and lived on Vine St. in Sun Prairie. In 1963 they built a home on Barbara Street and lived there until recent years. Fran and Lois had many interests including cross country skiing, bicycling, hiking, gardening, photo taking, bird feeding and watching and traveling. Fran also enjoyed playing softball and doing amateur wood working. He also enjoyed volunteering at his church and he was involved in FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) and Toastmasters. Fran's faith was very important to him. He and Lois attended Bible studies together. He was a man of prayer. He relied on God daily and trusted in Jesus as his Savior. Upon retirement Fran facilitated a class teaching about retirement planning at M.A.T.C. He continued to volunteer at places like Sacred Hearts School, Sun Prairie Public Library and delivered for Meals on Wheels. When Lois joined Fran in retirement they continued to travel enjoyed the local outdoors and volunteered together. Fran cared deeply about his family. He played croquet and other games with his daughters, their friends, grandsons and great grandchildren throughout the years.
He is survived by his 2 daughters Jean (Erik Sitts) Gray of Deerfield, Francine (Steven) Tate of DeForest; 2 grandchildren Ryan (Andrea) Gray, Tyler (Jen Fahrenholtz) Gray, 8 great grandchildren Reagan, Avery, Mary, Jameson, Ethan, Colby, Hannah and Leah; siblings, Theresa Blakely, Leo (Dorothy) Renz, Maggie Purcell, Marty (Claire) Renz.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife of 64 years Lois and a brother, Anthony “Pelly”.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church, 227 Columbus Street, Sun Prairie. Monsignor Duane Moellenberndt will preside. Burial will be at Sacred Hearts Cemetery. A visitation will be at the Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home, 302 Columbus St. in Sun Prairie from 10:00 a.m. until 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers; memorials can be made to Sacred Hearts Church or Agrace HospiceCare.
Tuschen-Newcomer Funeral Home
Sun Prairie, WI 608-837-5400
www.newcomerfh.com