Raymond L Renken

A Memorial Service for Raymond L. Renken will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at the Hope Lutheran Church in rural Smithfield, Nebraska, with Mr. Joe Wilken officiating.  The family encourages casual attire and those who need to wear a mask, to do so.

This service will be live streamed via the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Homes Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Nelson-Bauer-Funeral-Homes-111601113801622 and

The Hope Lutheran Church Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/HopeLutheranChurchSmithfield/

Raymond Lynn Renken, 75 years of age, of rural Bertrand, Nebraska, died and went to be with his Lord on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at the CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.  Raymond was born on November 13, 1946, in Lexington, Nebraska, the fourth of six children born, to Freddie and Doris A. (Holmquist) Renken. Raymond received his education from Bertrand High School, graduating with the class of 1965. He then pursued higher education from the Nebraska State Trade School in Milford, Nebraska, graduating with a degree in Air Conditioning Technology in 1967.

Raymond then began working at Martin Electric in Lexington from 1967 until 1974.  On June 7, 1969, he was united in marriage to Janet K. Ebmeier at the Hope Lutheran Church.  The couple was blessed with two children:  Christie and Ron.

In 1974, Raymond returned to the farm.  Raymond was baptized, confirmed and married at Hope Lutheran Church; and served on the church council at both: Grace Lutheran Church in Lexington, and later, at Hope Lutheran Church.  He was a Boy Scout Leader and continued mentoring those boys until they were young men.  Raymond also served on the Bertrand Rural Fire Board and the Bertrand CO-OP Board; but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandson, and his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Raymond collected toy tractors, coins, and 8mm films.  He enjoyed spending time camping, being outdoors, and watching Westerns.  Raymond had a farmer's wit and was a great problem solver.  On the last round of harvest, Raymond always threw his hat in the air and headed home.  On February 19, 2022, he truly headed home.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Freddie and Doris Renken; one nephew, Richard L. Renken; a great-niece, Danika Moore; and two brothers-in-law:  Eldred Maaske; and Don Vacha.

Left to cherish his memory include:  his wife of 52 years, Janet Renken of rural Bertrand; his children: Christie and Brandy Anderson of Holbrook, Nebraska; and Ron and Sherri Renken of Elm Creek, Nebraska; special extended family:  Cody, Christine, Casey, Cassidy, Colten, Emmersyn, Zack, Baileigh, and Logan; Brenda and family; and the Raymond and Bertha Meyer family; his siblings:  Marlene Dahlgren and her husband, Gary; Darlene Samuelson and her husband, Allen; and Roger Renken and his wife, Rosemary all of Bertrand; Randall Renken and his wife, Sandy of Fort Morgan, Colorado; and Judy Long and her husband, Gaylord of Holdrege; one sister-in-law:  Beverly Vacha of Gibbon, Nebraska; along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews; and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial will be established in Raymond's honor and is kindly suggested to the family.

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.