BARBARA RENNER

BARBARA RENNER

May 11, 1952 - November 23, 2023

Obituary

Barbara “Barbie” J. Renner, age 71, passed away at home on Thursday, November 23, 2023. She was born May 11, 1952, in Neenah, daughter of the late Walter and Carol (Angermeyer) Miller.

Barb graduated from Neenah High School in 1970. She earned a bachelor's degree in Human Development from Purdue University in 1974. Barb married Jack Gilbert Renner on January 11, 1975, and they had a son, Jackson, in 1980. She was a devoted mother.

Barb worked at Menasha Corp and many other businesses before starting Elements, a rep agency for retail goods. She then bought Collectors Gallery in Oshkosh and expanded that business and later sold it to raise her son. Years later, Barb started a new business called Willows Bend, which was a picture frame shop and home furnishings store. Following her diagnosis with cancer her business was sold and she reinvented herself with avid reading and joined numerous book clubs. In Barb's life-long journey she made friends every step of the way. She held each of her cherished relationships from her family, employees, church and book clubs very near to her heart.

Barb grew up on Lake Winnebago and loved the water. She enjoyed boating with her family in Door County as a child and later continued boating on the Lake Winnebago chain with Jack and Jackson. Barb had a life-long love for naughty terriers. And could be seen from time to time with a terrier and a Chesapeake on a jet ski.

Survivors include her husband, Jack; son, Jackson (Jori) Renner; two sisters: Ann (Gene) Gallmeier, Marcia (John) Murdock; a sister-in-law, Jane Shipman; and a brother-in-law, Jim (Sally) Renner. She is also survived by many Miller, Beatty and Angermeyer cousins.

Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Carol Miller, and a brother-in-law, Jay Shipman.

There will be a memorial service on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the First Presbyterian Church, 200 Church St., Neenah, with Rev. Kimbrel Johnson officiating. Visitation will be held at the church at 10:00 AM with the service at 11:00 AM. All are invited for a luncheon and gathering to follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers memorials in Barb's name can be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Neenah or directly to the UW Health Carbone Cancer Center OR the UW Madison Transplant Program at: https://www.uwhealth.org/philanthropy  

The family would like to thank her special care givers for their compassionate care and friendship in the last year. Lexi, her hospice nurse and Mariefe and Tina from the VNA. And to all of the many family and friends who tirelessly visited and brought meals to the house, a sincere thank you.

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The Douglas Family
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Our family moved in two doors down from the Millers and five doors down from the Renners in 1964.    Barbie was Bruce's and my favorite babysitter, and we used to beg our parents to go out for the evening so she could babysit.  Especially when she would take us to the Big Boy in Appleton in her green VW bug.  We all spent a lot of time in the lovely clear (ha!) water of Lake Winnebago and loved watching the Millers and Renners ski behind Jack's gliittery red Checkmate boat, and jump over the homemade ski jump.  Our parents were devoted framing customers and even though they are gone some of Barbie's work still hangs on the walls.   Barbie was a bright light with an indomitable spirit and we will miss her.  Robin
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Steve Boehm
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Hi Jack Been a long time I'm sorry but you had a wonderful gal for many years. Stay happy for that. I met barb and you in 7th grade Glade I did. Good friends to remember. Luv steve
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Sherry Regel
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Jack, Barbie was a special person whose smile could light up a room and I am so glad I met her in 7th grade and we continued to be friends through high school. Remember all the special moments with Barbie and hold those close to your heart, Jack.  Sherry Regel
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Carol (Samuelson) Franz
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Jack and family, sending my condolences. You're in my thoughts and prayers. Barb was a wonderful person.

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