William Anthony Renis died peacefully at his son's home on Elk Lake surrounded by family on March

18, 2021.

He was born on December 28, 1928, to Joseph A. and Stephanie (Eichas) Renis in Grand Rapids,

Michigan.

He attended St. Peter and Paul's Elementary school and graduated from Grand Rapids Catholic Central

High School, class of 1945.

Bill joined the Navy in 1946 through 1949 as a Midshipman studying at NAS Pensacola. After his

discharge he spent a year traveling the country.  He graduated from Aquinas College in 1952 with a

Bachelor of Arts Degree.  Bill enlisted in the Army in 1953 and served in theater during the Korean

War reaching the rank of P1C.

On September 15, 1955, he married Leone (Lee) Obiedzinski in Grand Rapids.

After his service he worked for the Michigan State Treasury in the Tax Department as a property

assessor.  His work took him from Paw Paw, Michigan, to Cadillac, and finally to Traverse City in 1970.

He retired in 1991 after 37 years holding various positions. Bill and Lee moved to Elk Lake in the late

1970s and were active members of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Elk Rapids.

He was a life member of Cherryland VFW Post #2780 in Traverse City, a Charter and Life member of American

Legion Post #350 in Elk Rapids, a Charter and Honorary Life member and a 3rd degree in the Knights of

Columbus Council 12294 in Elk Rapids, a Life Member of The Elks in Traverse City, and an original

member of the Grand Traverse Astronomical Society.

He enjoyed reading, chess, astronomy, and especially fishing which he was able to do so through last

summer.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Leone.

He leaves behind sisters, Joan Rysdyk or Grand Rapids and Carol DuShane of Wyoming; a son, Joseph (Carol) of Rapid City, Michigan; daughters, Therese (Thomas) Killeen of Bisamberg, Austria, and Diane (Emile)

Husson of Norfolk, Virginia; along with three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A funeral mass and celebration of his life will be conducted at a later date.

The family requests in lieu of flowers to donate to your local county Council on Aging Meals on Wheels Program.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com