Rodney J Renken

A Memorial Service for Rodney was held on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Geneva, Nebraska. Pastor Doug Griger presided over the Memorial Service. A private Committal of Ashes will take place at a later date at Geneva Public Cemetery. Melissa Houchin accompanied the congregation in the singing of "His Eye Is On The Sparrow," "How Great Thou Art," and "On Eagle's Wings." The recorded selection "Con Te Partiro" by Andrea Bocelli was played at the conclusion of the Memorial Service. Honorary Pallbearers included Alisha Renken, Ryan Renken, Jeramiah Uldrich, Adison Renken, and Ryden Renken. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Geneva Fire & Rescue, UMCOR, and TeamMates Mentoring Program. Rodney J. Renken, 71, passed away at Bryan East in Lincoln, Nebraska on April 20, 2024 due to complications from acute myeloid leukemia. Rod, the son of Everett and Josephine Renken, was born on August 25, 1952 and attended Geneva Public Schools where he graduated in 1970. During his childhood, Rod grew up on a farm on the edge of town where they raised milking cows, sheep, and horses. He enjoyed the day-to-day responsibilities of the farm and developed a strong work ethic that would serve him well the rest of his life. He formed a close bond with his horse, Sugarfoot, and they joined the local Saddle Club and built many memories together. Rod always felt that he had the best childhood one could ever ask for in that he lived on a farm, but could still hop on his bicycle and ride to the park, pool, and school. After attending the University of Nebraska at Lincoln for a couple of years, he married Sandi Best, his best friend and lifelong companion of 51 years on March 3, 1973. After marrying, they moved to Lincoln to work various jobs and in 1975, they moved to Goehner where Rod traveled as a field planter and harvester for Funk Seed Hybrids. While he enjoyed the work, he was away from Sandi for extended periods of time and wanted to find work close to home. In late 1976, Rod and his father bought a plumbing business in Geneva and they moved “home” to start a new adventure. He loved working with his dad every day and enjoyed the challenges of learning a new trade. Countless hours were spent “tinkering” in the shop with woodworking, repairing, and making family treasures and memories. Rod was always on the move and if you needed to talk with him, your best bet was to check the “fix it shop”. During this time, Rod and Sandi expanded their family with two children, Alisha in 1980 and Ryan in 1988. Family was everything to Rod, he loved them dearly and they were always the center of his attention. In 1978, Rod and Sandi became charter members of the Geneva Rescue Squad where they spent countless hours fundraising in order to purchase the first rescue unit and equipment. The kids and extended family knew that rescue calls were 24/7 and that helping others was an important part of doing the right thing and living a full life. Rod remained active with Geneva Rescue for 46 years, nearly meeting his goal of 50 years on the rescue squad. He continued to hope that they would keep doing the important work and become bigger and better. Once Rod closed the plumbing business in 1997, he put his “fix it” skills to work at Fillmore County Hospital as a full-time maintenance person, working there until his retirement in 2017. Over the course of these years, he continued his interest in expanding his skills as an EMT and felt that Para-medicine would be a good fit for him and the hospital. So, during his time outside of work, he enrolled in classes and became a certified paramedic, the first in the emergency room at Fillmore County Hospital. He helped countless people in need through his work in health care and as an EMT and Paramedic and he gained tremendous personal satisfaction from having the ability to serve in that capacity. Rod also spent several years as a certified EMT instructor training a new generation of EMTs to carry on the work that was so important to him. It was well known that Rod could not sit still. He was always volunteering with various clubs and organizations while still putting God and his family activities at the top of his list. His tireless desire to help others touched many people across the community and serving for 5 years as a TeamMates mentor for a local student was very rewarding for him. His willingness to assist family with projects took him across the country “to help out” those he loved. If he ever heard someone say “It can’t be done”, he would respond with,“Can’t just takes a little longer”. Rod will be most remembered for his kind smile, the twinkle in his eye, his sense of humor, a passion for problem solving and for always offering a helping hand. People that really knew Rod found his sincerity, kindness, and love of family a model for others to aspire toward. Whether it was visiting around the table at holiday celebrations or sitting on the front porch enjoying the evening air, it brought him great joy to be around his family. Rod was preceded in death by his parents, Everett and Josephine Renken; brother, Gaylord Renken; brother-in-law Darrel Hoffman; his parents-in-law Donald and Donna Best and nephew-in-law Anthony Bertuccelli. He is survived by his wife, Sandi; children, Alisha Renken and Ryan Renken; grandchildren, Jeramiah Uldrich, Adison Renken, and Ryden Renken; sister, Sandra Hoffman; brother, Michael (Sue) Renken; in-laws, Cristy & Keith Koch, Cherryl Bertuccelli, Brad & Dianna Best, and Carol Best; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

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Rodney J Renken

August 25, 1952 - April 20, 2024