Tom, “Deputy”, was a graduate of Cathedral High School. He served in the Army during WWII and had a brief stint in Japan. Upon his return he enrolled in mortuary school in St. Louis and then started his 45-year career with his dad and brothers at the funeral home. Back in those days that included running the ambulance service as well as funerals.
Shortly after completing his schooling, he met the love of his life, Joan L. Voss. They were married June 25, 1949, and raised eight children together, but sadly she was taken too early on October 23, 1985, at the age of 56.
Tom was also preceded in death by his parents, George J. and Mary A. “Lena” nee Reichert Renner; six brothers, George (Virginia), David (Anne), John (Rose), Joseph, James (Eileen) and Daniel in infancy; a sister, Margaret “Peg” (Harold) Berkel; and brother-in-law, Charlie Glauber.
Tom is survived by his eight children, Diane (Dr. James) Walsh, Jeff (Dr. Kathie) Renner, Bill Renner, Tom (Kay) Renner, Patricia (William) Biehl, Jill (Steve) Breunig, Mark (Angela) Renner, Jan (Hon. Jeffery) Watson;
20 grandchildren, Bryan (Stephanie Co) Walsh, Lt. Col. Gregory (Jessie) Walsh, Dr. Katherine (partner Maria Garcia) Walsh, Ben, Zach, and Alex Renner, Lara (Eric) Dorner, Paul (Dr. Kate) Renner, Daniel (Kelsey) Renner, Sam Renner (Anna Bommarito), Dr. Adam (Dr. Kristin) Renner, Dr. Hannah Renner, Jack (Claire) Renner, Bill (Sarah) Biehl, George (Nikki) Biehl, Chris (Dr. Katie) Breunig, Nicholas Breunig, Nate (Rachel) Renner, Ellen (Keaton) Gibbs and Tom Watson;
14 great grandchildren and one due in April;
two sisters, Mary Glauber and Theresa “Tottie” (Dr. Joseph) Bassler;
a sister-in-law, Rita Renner;
he is also survived by his dear friend and companion, Kitty Dickerson.
Dad was a friend to everyone. We were always amazed at how he could remember so many names and faces. He looked forward to Friday nights at the Belleville Elks, trips to Arizona and Vegas, a good bridge game, and horseshoe game.
The family would like to thank the staff, past and present, at the Atrium of Belleville, Hospice of Southern Illinois and Benedictine Living Community at the Shrine for their kindness and care to our dad.
Memorials can be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois or St. Peter’s Cathedral. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 2, 2023, at George Renner & Sons, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2023, at St. Peter’s Cathedral, with the Very Rev. Godfrey Mullen, OSB, and Msgr. John Myler concelebrating.
Burial with military honors will be at Green Mount Catholic Cemetery, Belleville, IL.