Individual Notes
Note for: Earl Vernon Rench, 27 JUN 1909 - 17 JUN 1980
Index
Burial: Place: Chapel Gardens, Elwell, MI
Individual Note: [Sylvester_Rench.FTW]
Earl Rench, 73, of Vestaburg, died Friday, June 17, 1983 at Gratiot Community Hospital in Alma.
Remains will be interred at Chapel Gardens Cemetery in Elwell during a private ceremony.
Memorial to the Elk's Crippled Children Fund will be appreciated.
Mr. Rench was born June 27, 1909 in Berrien Creek, WV, the son of William and Phoebe (Hayden) Rench. He married Florence Rench on Oct. 18, 1944 in St. Louis.
He has been a resident of the Vestaburg area since 1915, coming from West Virginia. He served in the military during World War II and was a member of the American Legion, Elks Club, Moose Club and Disabled Veterans. Mr. Rench worked for 12 years for Lobdell-Emery Mfg in Alma, retiring in 1971.
Along with his wife, Florence, he is survived by two sons, Earl Leroy of Rhode Island and Donnell of Florida; two sisters, Mrs. Elsie Smith of Saginaw, and Mrs. Mildred Burr of Fenton; a brother, Dorwin of New Baltimore; and 11 grandchildren.
Mr. Rench was preceded in death by three sisters and three brothers.
Individual Notes
Note for: Donnell "Don" Gail Rench, 28 MAY 1939 - 23 JAN 1998
Index
Burial: Date: 29 JAN 1998
Place: Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, FL
Individual Note: [Sylvester_Rench.FTW]
Don G. Rench of Gainesville died unexpectedly Friday in Crystal River. He was 58.
Mr. Rench was a mechanic and welder for Florida Power. He also served in the U.S. Army.
He was born in Alma, Mich., and moved from Miami Springs to Gainesville 21 years ago.
Mr. Rench was a member of the Schafer Lodge 350, the Knights Templar, the Morocco Temple and the Gethsemane Lutheran Church. He was a visiting member of the Citrus Lodge F&AM and was a journeyman ironworker with the Iron Workers Union in Miami.
Survivors include his wife, Jill Rench of Gainesville; two sons, Russell D. Rench of Gainesville and Patrick W. Rench of Hinesville, GA; two daughters, Kimberly L. Starling and Donna F. Balkcom, both of Gainesville; and five grandchildren.
Expressions of sympathy may be made as donations to the Children's Miracle Network or ACORN.
Individual Notes
Note for: Florence Marie Parker, 8 OCT 1908 - 5 DEC 1996
Index
Burial: Place: Chapel Gardens, Elwell, MI
Individual Note: [Sylvester_Rench.FTW]
Florence Marie Rench, 87, of Alma, died Thursday, Dec. 5, 1996 at Hartland Health Care Nursing Home in Saginaw.
No funeral services are scheduled and cremation has taken place. Burial will be in Chapel Garden Cemetery in Elwell. Arrangements were handled by the Dewey Funeral Home in Alma.
Mrs. Rench was born Oct. 8, 1909 in Saginaw County, the daughter of Alta Parker and Elizabeth Williams. She married Earl Rench, who preceded her in death. She lived in Alma most of her life and was a housewife.
Individual Notes
Note for: Freda Laluna Rench, 27 DEC 1911 - 18 SEP 1980
Index
Burial: Place: Riverside Cemetery, Alma, MI
Individual Note: [Sylvester_Rench.FTW]
Freda L. Griffith, 68, died Thursday, Sept. 18, 1980 at the Gratiot Community Hospital in Alma following a sudden illness.
Born on Dec. 26, 1911 in West Virginia, she was the daughter of William and Phoebe (Hayden) Rench. She married Raymond Griffith on Dec. 31, 1933 in Grand Rapids.
An Alma resident most all her life, Mrs. Griffith resided at 109 S. Court where she was retired from office work at a local clothing store.
She is survived by her husband, Raymond of Alma, two daughters, Mrs. Sue Vine of Breckenridge and Sandra Griffith of California; two grandchildren; three brothers, Walter Rench of Alma, Earl Rench of Vestaburg, and Dorwin Rench of Mt. Clemens and two sisters, Mrs. Elsie Smith of East Tawas and Mrs. Mildred Burr of Fenton.
Individual Notes
Note for: Raymond Alva Griffith, 4 OCT 1908 - 25 JUN 1982
Index
Burial: Place: Riverside Cemetery, Alma, MI
Individual Note: [Sylvester_Rench.FTW]
Raymond A. Griffith, 73, of Alma, died Friday, June 25, 1982 at the Midland Skilled Care Center.
Services will be...
Mr. Griffith was born Oct 4, 1908 in Emerson Township to Roy and Pearl (Mann) Griffith. A life-long resident of the area, he married Freda Rench on Dec. 31, 1931.
Mr. Griffith was an employee of the St. Louis Sugar Co. until its closing. He had also been employed by the Bay City Sugar Co., the Speedway Service Station in Alma, and the Michigan Masonic Home.
He was a member of the CSA and the Elks Lodge No. 1400 in Alma.
Survivors include two daughters, Ms. Sandra R. of California, and Mrs. Terry (Sue A.) Vine of Breckenridge; a brother, James of Millington; and two grandchildren.
Mr. Griffiths wife preceded him in death on Sept. 18, 1980.
Individual Notes
Note for: Opal Rench, 6 MAR 1914 - 19 JUL 1932
Index
Burial: Place: Riverside Cemetery, Alma, MI
Individual Note: Alma girl is buried Friday, Many pay tribute of respect to Opal Rench at her funeral here.
Funeral rites was held for Miss Opal Rench, 18 year old Alma girl last Friday afternoon and the Baptist Church where the service took place, was nearly filled with relatives and friends of the young girl and her family. Miss Rench's death occurred on Tuesday evening when she was drowned while swimming at Loon Lake.
Rev. William T. Roberts was in charge of the funeral service, Miss Elsa Struble was at the organ, and Miss Margaret Roberts sang. As the friends assembled Miss Struble played softly and sweetly, and later int he service Miss Roberts sang "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere". Rev. Roberts chose for his scripture reading comforting verses from the Gospels including the superb passages from John 14 which are so often used in similar circumstances. His text was from Isaiah, "As one whom his mother comfortheth, so will I comfort you." The thought dervived from this passage was offered by Rev. Roberts with a quiet sincerity and conviction of faith which appealed to all who heard it. He extended to the sorrowing family the sweet comfort and aid which belief in immortal life alone makes possible.
Burial was made at Riverside cemetery. Pall bearers were...
Miss Rench was one of the community's respected and worthy young girls, and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was a faithful attendant at the Baptist Church and taught a class of little people in the Sunday School. Though her death was peculiarly sad, she lives in the memory of many who knew and loved her.
[Sylvester_Rench.FTW]
Alma girl is buried Friday, Many pay tribute of respect to Opal Rench at her funeral here.
Funeral rites was held for Miss Opal Rench, 18 year old Alma girl last Friday afternoon and the Baptist Church where the service took place, was nearly filled with relatives and friends of the young girl and her family. Miss Rench's death occurred on Tuesday evening when she was drowned while swimming at Loon Lake.
Rev. William T. Roberts was in charge of the funeral service, Miss Elsa Struble was at the organ, and Miss Margaret Roberts sang. As the friends assembled Miss Struble played softly and sweetly, and later int he service Miss Roberts sang "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere". Rev. Roberts chose for his scripture reading comforting verses from the Gospels including the superb passages from John 14 which are so often used in similar circumstances. His text was from Isaiah, "As one whom his mother comfortheth, so will I comfort you." The thought dervived from this passage was offered by Rev. Roberts with a quiet sincerity and conviction of faith which appealed to all who heard it. He extended to the sorrowing family the sweet comfort and aid which belief in immortal life alone makes possible.
Burial was made at Riverside cemetery. Pall bearers were...
Miss Rench was one of the community's respected and worthy young girls, and she will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She was a faithful attendant at the Baptist Church and taught a class of little people in the Sunday School. Though her death was peculiarly sad, she lives in the memory of many who knew and loved her.
Individual Notes
Note for: Charles Phillip Burr, 18 MAR 1917 - 12 OCT 1983
Index
Burial: Place: Riverside Cemetery, Alma, MI
Individual Note: [Sylvester_Rench.FTW]
Charles Phillip Burr, 66, of Fenton, died Wednesday, October 10, 1983 at Hurley Medical Center in Flint.
Funeral services are scheduled...
Mr. Burr was born March 18, 1917 in North Star to Frank O. and Rosa (Thomas) Burr. He married Mildred L. Rench on June 14, 1936 in Alma.
A member of the Society of Automotive Engineers, Mr. Burr had been employed by the Chevrolet Engineering Center in Warren as a staff development engineer until his retirement in 1982.
Surviving are his wife, Mildred of Fenton, one son, Gordon P. of Hartland, one daughter, Linda J. Baier of Fenton, one brother, Eugene Burr of Alma, two sisters, Mrs. Lucille Fisher and Mrs. Ruth Moore of Alma, and two grandchildren.
Individual Notes
Note for: Phyllis Ann Burr, 6 SEP 1936 - 6 OCT 1936
Index
Burial: Place: Riverside Cemetery, Alma, MI
Individual Notes
Note for: Ruby Mae Rench, 20 DEC 1920 - 7 JAN 1979
Index
Individual Note: [Sylvester_Rench.FTW]
Mrs. Ruby Mae Kirkby, 58, 207 East 11th, died Sunday evening at her home after a long illness.
Born Ruby Mae Rench Dec. 20, 1920, in Alma, Mich., she moved to Hutchinson in 1959. She married Orville T. Kirkby Jan. 30, 1940, in Alma, MI. She was a member of the First United Presbyterian Church.
Survivors: the widower; sons: Thomas E. Kirkby, Dodge City, David E. Kirkby, 1309 East 11th; daughters: Mrs. Mary Ellen Millet, Prairie Grove, Ark; Mrs. Jean Marie Shafer, 520 East 3rd; Mrs. Carol Ann Gowens, 223 West 5th; brothers: Walter Rench, Alma, Mich; Dorwin Rench, New Baltimore, Mich; sisters: Mrs. Elsie Smith, Au Grus, Mich; Mrs. Freda Griffith, Alma, Mich; Mrs. Mildred Burr, Fenton, Mich; and nine grandchildren.
Funeral will be...The family suggests memorials to the Arthritis Foundation.
Individual Notes
Note for: Orville Thomas Kirkby, 21 JAN 1919 - 5 FEB 1990
Index
Individual Note: [Sylvester_Rench.FTW]
Orville Thomas Kirkby, 71, of Hutchinson, Kansas died Monday, February 5, 1990 at the Hutchinson Hospital.
Memorial may be made to the Hospice of Reno County or the 10th Avenue Methodist Church.
Mr. Kirkby was born January 21, 1919 in Alma to William and Phoebe (Jury) Kirkby. He married Ruby Mae Rench, of Alma, January 30, 1944. She preceded him in death January 7, 1979. He married Mildred L. Poorman of Denver, April 31, 1982.
Mr. Kirkby was a resident of Hutchinson since 1959 and was a carpenter until he retired in1982. He was a member of the 10th Avenue Methodist Church, a World War II army veteran, a member of the Carpenter's Union 201, and the Horseless Carriage Club and the American Association of Retired People.
He is survived by his wife; two sons, Thomas of Dodge City, Kansas, David of Burlington, Kansas, three daughters, Mary Millet of Amarillo, Texas, Jean Shafer and Carol Brewer, both of Hutfchinson; two brothers, Samuel of Riverside, California, and Clarence of Jackson, three sisters, Arbelle Peterson of Alma, Coral Bussell of Lansing, and Florence Mallory of Edmore; 17 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Individual Notes
Note for: Duane Fredrick Rench, 23 SEP 1925 - 31 DEC 1944
Index
Burial: Place: Witt__nd, Germany
Individual Note: Official word that the death of her husband, Staff Sgt. Duane F. Rench, missing since December, 1944, has been established has come to Mrs. Ann Rench of 704 East Superior St, Alma. She is the former Ann Stickney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Stickney of Alma.
The news was revealed in a letter to Mrs. Rench from Maj. Gen. Edward F. Witsell, who stated the presumptive date of Sgt. Rench's death as December 31, 1944. His report was based upon information compiled from captured German records from the interrogation center at Dulag luft which stated that Sgt. Rech was killed in action in an airplane crash and that interment was made in the cemetery at Witt__nd, Germany. In addition to the wife and a son, Freddie, who was a year old this week and whom the father has never seen, there are four brothers, Earl, Leonard, Dorwin, and Walter, all of Alma. Duane had always made his home with the latter. There are also four sisters, Mrs. Ray Griffith of Alma, Mrs. Philip Burr of Detroit, Mrs. Elsie Smith of Saginaw, and Mrs. Orville Kirkby of Alma.
Sgt. Rench was awarded the Air Medal while flying in the B-17 Flying Fortress, "Nine Lives". He had taken part in the air blows against targets at Berlin, Mersenberg, Bremen, Ludwigshafen, Kassel, and other powerfully defendeed points in Germany, flying with the 100th bombardment group, a unit which was cited by the president for its shuttle attack on Messerschmidt factories at Regensberg, Germany. He was a first gunner.
Sgt. Rench was graduated from Alma High school and received training at Keesler field, Biloxi, Mississippi. He was 20 at the time he was reported missing.
[Sylvester_Rench.FTW]
Official word that the death of her husband, Staff Sgt. Duane F. Rench, missing since December, 1944, has been established has come to Mrs. Ann Rench of 704 East Superior St, Alma. She is the former Ann Stickney, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Stickney of Alma.
The news was revealed in a letter to Mrs. Rench from Maj. Gen. Edward F. Witsell, who stated the presumptive date of Sgt. Rench's death as December 31, 1944. His report was based upon information compiled from captured German records from the interrogation center at Dulag luft which stated that Sgt. Rech was killed in action in an airplane crash and that interment was made in the cemetery at Witt__nd, Germany. In addition to the wife and a son, Freddie, who was a year old this week and whom the father has never seen, there are four brothers, Earl, Leonard, Dorwin, and Walter, all of Alma. Duane had always made his home with the latter. There are also four sisters, Mrs. Ray Griffith of Alma, Mrs. Philip Burr of Detroit, Mrs. Elsie Smith of Saginaw, and Mrs. Orville Kirkby of Alma.
Sgt. Rench was awarded the Air Medal while flying in the B-17 Flying Fortress, "Nine Lives". He had taken part in the air blows against targets at Berlin, Mersenberg, Bremen, Ludwigshafen, Kassel, and other powerfully defendeed points in Germany, flying with the 100th bombardment group, a unit which was cited by the president for its shuttle attack on Messerschmidt factories at Regensberg, Germany. He was a first gunner.
Sgt. Rench was graduated from Alma High school and received training at Keesler field, Biloxi, Mississippi. He was 20 at the time he was reported missing.