May 13 1924 April 07 2020
Ruth’s Obituary A private family graveside service for Ruth A. Renken will be held at the Hope Lutheran Cemetery in rural Gosper County, Nebraska, with Pastor Daniel Landin officiating. Due to health concerns with COVID-19, a public Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date at the Hope Lutheran Church in rural Smithfield, Nebraska. Ruth A. Renken, 95 years of age, of Bertrand, Nebraska (formerly of rural Smithfield, Nebraska) passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2020, at the Bertrand Nursing Home. Ruth was born on May 13, 1924, near Maywood, Nebraska, one of three children to Fred and Amanda (Suhr) Bunsen. She was baptized on June 30, 1924. At an early age, Ruth moved with her parents to rural Smithfield. She received her education at District #64 rural school in Gosper County. Ruth was confirmed on March 20, 1937, at Hope Lutheran Church, where she continued to be a devoted lifetime member. Ruth spent several years working at the Lutheran Children’s Home in Waverly, Iowa. Returning to her Nebraska home, she was united in marriage on May 11, 1947, to Emil Henry Renken at the Hope Lutheran Church by Pastor Lewis Holm. To this union the couple were blessed with two sons: Lanny and Bradley. The family made their home in the Bertrand area, where Ruth focused her efforts on caring for the home and raising their sons. The family then moved to the farmstead, where Emil was born. The couple worked side-by-side on the same farm for the next 54 years. Emil passed away on the same farmstead on May 23, 2001. Since October of 2015, due to her failing health, Ruth made her home at Bertrand Nursing Home, where she received loving care. Ruth was a faithful member of the Hope Lutheran Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Bertrand Nursing Home; sewing days; and other activities at her church. Her family, church, and faith were always an important part of her life. Above all, Ruth has left a tremendous legacy of love, and faith to her family. Besides her husband, and parents; Ruth was preceded in death by two brothers: Boyd Bunsen in childhood; and Gene Bunsen and his wife, Patricia; brother-in-law, Elmer Renken and his wife, Doris; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Lundeen and her husband, Arnold. Ruth leaves to celebrate her life; her sons: Lanny Renken; and Brad Renken and his wife, Kathy all of Bertrand; four grandchildren: Joshua Renken and his wife, Natalie of Dallas, Texas; Jeffrey Renken of Lincoln, Nebraska; Stephanie Renken of Omaha, Nebraska; and Jaclyn Renken of Arapahoe, Nebraska; one great-granddaughter, Henrietta Renken of Dallas; and a host of nieces; nephews; cousins; other relatives; and friends. A private family visitation will be held at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege, due to current health concerns. A memorial has been established in Ruth’s honor, and kindly suggested to the family for later designation. Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements. Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Ruth A Renken May 13 1924 April 07 2020.
Mitchell Nelson Bauer Funeral Hom
Death notice for the town of: Oxford, state: Nebraska