Marie Renel

Marie Alice Renel, 86, of Shawano, left us Thursday, February 29, 2024. She was born March 6, 1937, in Oconto Falls to Raymond Sr. and Alice (Nass) Young. Growing up on the family farm, Marie learned how to work hard alongside her mother. At the age of 14, she moved with her sister Shirley to live above the Falls Family Restaurant, where they worked as waitresses and attended school. At the age of 17, Marie married Fred A. Renel on August 21, 1954, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. They had 5 children together and enjoyed 54 years of marriage before his death in 2008.

Marie became a Nurse’s Aide, completing her education at Eagle River Hospital. She then worked at the Oconto Falls Hospital and nursing home for over 20 years. She truly enjoyed serving others and giving her time and energy to help those in need. She sponsored a Colombian girl, Nubia, for several years, and she supported Boys Town, Paralyzed Veterans of America, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Her caring nature and generosity have greatly influenced her family.

In her free time, Marie enjoyed tending to her many house plants and crocheting beautiful afghans, rugs, and table mats. More than anything, she valued her independence. Even as a young girl, she made decisions for herself. When she could no longer live completely independently, Marie chose to live at Shawano Place, which she considered her home. She was grateful for time spent with her family at holiday celebrations, cookouts, and especially Easter and Christmas.

Marie was preceded in death by her parents, husband Fred, daughter Kathleen Marie Mattila, sister Shirley Younger, and brother Norbert Young.

She is survived by her children Marjorie (David) Rutledge, Kevin Renel (Jody), Laurie Renel-Faledas (Tim), and Daniel (JoAnn) Renel; son-in-law Wayne Mattila; grandchildren Nichole, Angelique, Christopher, Aaron, Jeremy, Genia, Tyler, Valorie, Julian, Bram, Zachary, Amber, Josh, Valorie, Bailey, and Lydia; 15 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; sisters Bernice, Mary, and RoseAnn; and brothers Bernard and Raymond Jr.

Visitation will be held after 11:00 AM, Friday, March 8, 2024, at Jones Funeral Service in Oconto Falls. The service will follow at 1:00 PM with the urn present and the Reverend Father Walter Stumpf officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a memorial fund will be established.

Special thanks to Lakeland Care and Compassus for helping Marie and her family over the last few years. Also, an expression of appreciation and encouragement to those caring for anyone dealing with dementia.