Thomas Samuel Renken

Thomas Samuel Renken, 80, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2015, at Plum Creek Healthcare Community in Lexington. He was born April 12, 1935, in Lexington, Nebraska to Conrad and Allie (Kugler) Renken. He attended school at Lexington. Tom was united in marriage to Brenda Reese on December 16, 1962, in Lexington. Two children were blessed to this marriage; Sarah & Michael. During Tom’s working career; he farmed with his dad, had a hay baling business, worked for Paulsen Construction, Walter Dunlap Company, and Kirkpatrick Sand & Gravel. He then went into business for himself as a heavy equipment operator. For a time Tom helped at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home, retiring in 2012, only because his health forced him to. Tom was a 67 year member of the First United Methodist Church in Lexington. He was active in the church in various capacities and served on many committees. He was an usher for many years and only stopped when his health began to fade. Tom loved to hunt as a younger man and always had several four-legged friends by his side. He had a heart of gold, never knew a stranger, could talk for hours on any subject, and would give you the shirt off his back. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and so enjoyed attending all of their activities through the years. Just think of the conversations going on in Heaven at this very moment! Survivors include his wife of 53 years; Brenda of Lexington; daughter, Sarah (Dan) Neben of Bertrand, Nebraska; son, Michael (Lara) Renken of Bellevue, Nebraska; five grandchildren, Brian and Jordan Neben both of Kearney, Nebraska, Sydney, Evan & Maria Neben all of Bertrand, Nebraska; his beloved dogs; Annie, Emmy, and Maggie; as well as extended family and many, many friends. Tom was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kay Renken; brother-in-law, Dick Reese; sister-in-law, Sandra Hickok; and, one niece, Monica Schultz. Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Dyton Owen officiating. Inurnment will be held later in Robb Cemetery south of Lexington. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 14, 2015, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Chapel in Lexington. The family requests memorials please, rather than flowers, to First United Methodist Church, Lexington Fire Department, or the Salvation Army. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.