Mary “Jeri” Renkes, 99, of Resthave Care & Rehabilitation, Morrison, IL, died Saturday, March 5, 2022, at Resthave.
Jeri was born May 30, 1922, in Tampico, IL, to Francis Edward and Helen Alice (Brophy) Kelly. She was educated in the Tampico Grade School and was a graduate of Tampico High School. Jeri served in the U. S. Navy Waves during WWII. On December 6, 1946, she married Henry J. Renkes in Morrison; he died on February 27, 1973. Jeri was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, where she taught Religion class, served as a prayer chain member, and was on the Altar and Rosary Society. She was a member of Morrison VFW Auxiliary and served as a Cub Scout Leader. Jeri enjoyed reading, cooking, and golfing.
Survivors include her daughter, Rebecca (Tim) Reilly of Cincinnati, OH; sons, John “Rocky” (Jane) Renkes of Rock Falls, IL, and Patrick Renkes of Lansing, MI; daughter-in-law, Pamela (Lee) Daniels of New Buffalo, MI; ten grandchildren, Patrick (Becca) Reilly, Mary (Patrick) Newton, Will Reilly, Anne (Matt) Welter, Julia (Mark) Sonnichsen, Tom (Aimee) Renkes, Marc Renkes, Reilly Renkes, Wyatt Renkes, Christina (Dave) Hamilton; 12 great-grandchildren, Franklin and Owen Reilly, Rory, Oliver, and Eliza Newton, Armando and Max Valerio, Rosalindh, Bob, and Tara Renkes, Ryan and Layne Renkes; sisters, Margaret “Peggy” Foreman and Rita (Burt) Seaman of both of Morrison; sister-in-law, Janice Kelly of Morrison.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Robert J. Renkes; sisters, Helen Millerschone and Marlene “Molly” Jones; brothers, Francis and James Kelly; brothers-in-law, Kent Foreman, Kenneth Jones, and Ken Millerschone.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 12, 2022, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Morrison, IL, with Rev. Father Slawomir Zimodro officiating.
A Memorial Visitation will precede the service, starting at 10:00 a.m.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Interment will be at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL.
A memorial to St. Mary Catholic Church has been established.