Lester “Les” Renkes, 85, of Morrison, IL, died Monday, March 8, 2021, at CGH Medical Center in Sterling, IL.
Les was born February 26, 1936, in Morrison, to John and Maggie (Vos) Renkes. He was educated in the Prairie Center School in rural Whiteside County, and was a graduate of Morrison High School. On May 31, 1956, he married Beth Kuehl in Carroll County, IL. Les worked at the Carnation Factory and then at the Goodenough Dairy, before owning and operating his own construction business, Les Renkes Builders, for over 40 years. He enjoyed and took pride in his work. He loved woodworking and his ’36 Ford Coupe. Together he and his wife enjoyed riding motorcycles, antiquing, and driving around and looking at different buildings. He cherished watching his children and grandchildren grow.
Survivors include his wife, Beth, of Morrison; daughter, Angela Renkes of Morrison; sons, Randy Renkes and Andrew (Kimberly) Renkes, both of Morrison; 11 grandchildren, Paige LaShelle, Jeremiah (Trina) Renkes, Jedediah (Brandi) Renkes, Kyla (Greg) Hanson, McKenzie Renkes, Emma Renkes, Allison (Eli) Smith, Tate Renkes, Katelynne Busch, Courtney Stearns, Brenden Stearns; eight great-grandchildren; brother, Morry (Jan) Renkes of Clinton, IA.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Russell Renkes; brothers, LaVerne and Milton Renkes; father- and mother-in-law, Carl and Effie Kuehl.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
The Services will be private with Interment to be in the Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
A memorial has been established.