2004 Year in Review

Back to Morrison Sesquicentennial: General Info Listing | Back to Year in Review Index

Bosma-Renkes Funeral Homes

Bosma-Renkes Funeral Homes, Ltd. 1895

When Morrison celebrates its sesquicentennial in 2005, the local funeral home will celebrate its 110th anniversary. Several owners have served the public during these years. Current owners James D. and Lu Anne Bosma are shown with previous owner Philip Renkes at 404 E. Lincolnway. This is the site of one of two Bosma-Renkes Funeral Homes. Their second funeral home is located in Fulton.

The original Morrison facility began in 1895 under the ownership of Raymond A. Reynolds and W. L. Smith, but at a different location. Until 1948, Reynolds Funeral Home was located at 408 N. Genesee, now the home of Darrel and Nancy Quinn. Smith moved west in 1911, and Reynolds owned the business until his death in 1931.

Reynolds’s son, Ray, and son-in-law, Roy Hammer, then managed the business; Abe Renkes was employed shortly after 1931. The younger Reynolds left the business in 1934; Hammer continued as owner another 14 years.

Renkes became the new owner in 1948 and moved the business to S. Genesee. In 1972 the name was changed to Renkes-Reynolds Funeral Home. Phil Renkes began work with his father in 1964, became the owner in 1972, and retired in 2000. He continues to assist with the memorial holiday program.

G. James Bosma and his son James D. purchased Morrison’s Tomlinson Funeral Home in 1979, renaming it Bosma Funeral Home. This was at the present Lincolnway site. They merged with Renkes-Reynolds Funeral Home on January 1, 1987 and formed Bosma-Renkes Funeral Homes, Ltd. The S. Genesee facility was soon closed.

Bosma has a quarter of a century of experience as a licensed funeral director in Illinois and Iowa. He is a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner and is also certified as a Funeral Celebrant. Such certification requires extensive continuing education, professional and community activities, and professional growth. Recently, Bosma joined the Illinois Funeral Directors Association Board.

Since 1999, Mrs. Bosma has been the administrative assistant for her husband and manages both offices, payroll, and human resources.
Three licensed funeral directors/interns are employed: Ayla Ervin, Jody Anderson, and Steve Owen.

Bosma commented, “The care that we provide to our client families is the single most important aspect of the business.” This includes an exciting feature involving the internet. In January 2005 he will post a website that allows planning, selection of funeral items, and viewing the service of a deceased while it takes place. There will be links to newspaper obituaries, florists, and overnight accommodations for those who live away.

by svavra
2004-11-24 10:36:52