Frederick L. “Fred” Renne passed away peacefully on March 27, 2021 at his home in Lewisville, TX. He was 85.

Born March 3, 1936 in Kansas City, Missouri, Fred was the 4th of 10 children born to Charles and Ruth (Callahan) Renne. He considered himself blessed to grow up in a large, loving family and often shared fond memories of his boyhood in rural Shawnee Kansas.

Fred graduated from St Joseph’s High School, Shawnee, in 1954. While still in High School he enlisted in the US Navy Reserves, attending boot camp at the US Naval Air Station in Olathe Kansas. He served 2 years active duty in the Pacific aboard the USS Whiting.

In 1960, Fred was hired as a mailroom clerk at IBM in Kansas City. It was the start of what would be his 35-year career as a proud “IBMer”. He advanced rapidly, with frequent promotions and transfers in Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, and Texas. Before retirement he had the opportunity to hire, mentor, and launch young people on their own IBM careers, just as others had done for him.

In 1995, Fred retired to Seneca, Kansas, where he remained until 2013. He hosted many a family gathering over the years, serving up legendary BBQ Ribs which he enjoyed sharing as much as others enjoyed eating.

Fred was an active member of Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Seneca. He served on the finance council and loved visiting nursing home residents to offer Holy Communion and pray the rosary.Fred remained a country boy at heart. He lived simply and gave generously, saying he would rather enjoy sharing with his loved ones in person rather than after he was gone.

In 2013, Fred moved to Lewisville, Texas, where he lived with his daughter Susan and her family. Until health prevented, he was a fixture at St Philip’s Church in Lewisville every week for Confession, Rosary, and Mass.

A man of few words, Fred was perfectly comfortable with what he called “quiet companionship”. He enjoyed early morning coffee on the front porch and sunny afternoons on the back porch. He completed the newspaper crossword puzzle every day right after morning prayers. He liked scratch-off lottery tickets, which his good buddy Skip Schroeder exchanged for him every week.

Despite many health challenges, he remained positive and grateful for his blessings.   Fred was fond of saying “I can’t complain, I’ve had a great life – much better than I deserve.” He didn’t fear death. He strove to follow God’s will and trusted in God’s mercy completely.

Fred kept a crucifix always in view as a reminder to unite his suffering with the suffering of Christ. When not in his hand, a rosary was always in his pocket. Fred prayed many rosaries daily for the intentions of all his loved ones and asked nothing more than that they do the same.

Fred was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Ruth (Callahan) Renne, and his brother Jerome Renne. He is survived by children Lisa Kent (Tom), Mark Renne, Susan Renne, James Renne, and their mother Janet Woodall. Grandchildren Justin JT Kent (Ishita), Nicole Piispanen (Bennett), Joshua Kent, Christiana Mosley, Jacob Mosley. Great-grandchildren Sophia and Adelaide (in June) Piispanen. Siblings Charles Renne (Charlotte), Josephine Henry (Paul), William Renne, Thomas Renne, Jerome’s wife Linda Renne, Daniel Renne (Vicky), Mary McNeer (Jim), Janet Powers (Ray), Joan Wilhelmi (Bob). Many beloved nieces and nephews.

Tuesday 4/6/21

Sts Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Seneca

9 am Rosary/Viewing

9:30 am Mass of Christian Burial

Leavenworth National Cemetery

12:30 pm Committal with Honor Guard

 

Monday 4/5/21

The Willows Restaurant

11 North St, Seneca

6-7:30 pm reception in Fred’s memory

Donations in Fred’s memory may be directed to Gabriel Project, serving expectant mothers in need.

St Philip the Apostle Catholic Church

Gabriel Project

1897 West Maine St.

Lewisville, TX. 75067