Ralph Reneson

Ralph Clarence Reneson passed from death to life on Thursday, January 4, 2024, after a long and arduous battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was born on August 12, 1953, to Matthew and Lillian (Holty) Reneson. As a child, Ralph attended Bible camp and responded to the call to repent of his sins and trust in Jesus alone as his Lord and Savior. That decision would impact his life forever. Ralph loved being outside and found joy riding horses at his family’s farm and with his neighbors. He also excelled at wrestling during high school and at Pillsbury Baptist Bible College. Afterwards he continued his education at Mankato State University. On May 16, 1981, Ralph married Christine (Marsolek) in Rochester, MN, and the couple was blessed with three children. Ralph’s love for the outdoors was also shared by his family. Camping in places like Two Harbors and Yosemite National Park; completing the strenuous hike up Half Dome; skiing, deer hunting, golfing; fishing with his cousin at the Boundary Waters - these adventures left lasting imprints on Ralph as well as on those he loved most. Ralph participated in church most of his life but eventually he was unable to attend. While Parkinson’s Disease had corroded his mind and body, his faith and hope in Jesus’ saving work on his behalf was revived. His desire was to live out the rest of his life glorifying the Lord. His Savior faithfully held him fast. At the end, with close family at his bedside, he was received into eternal glory! Isaiah 46:4 says, “even to your old age I am He, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.” Ralph is survived by his former wife Christine (Marsolek) Reneson, who beautifully reflected Christ-like love and compassion for him; his children Stephanie (Scott) Reneson-Feeder, Stacey (Jacob) Heisterkamp, and Craig (Julia) Reneson; his grandchildren Logan, Jack, Gemma, and Behr Heisterkamp; his siblings Paul Reneson, Jane (Sid) Brannan, Ruth Reneson, and David (DeEtte) Reneson and their families. He was loved and well cared for by Gary and Nancy Holty, his church family who faithfully brought him to worship services, and all the staff at Chosen Valley Care Center in Chatfield, MN. Ralph and his family have been blessed beyond measure by how they ministered to him. Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, Matthew and Lillian (Holty) Reneson, his unborn child, and 2 unborn grandchildren.

Funeral service will be held Thursday January, 11, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Midwest Bible Baptist Church (5930 Bandel Rd. NW, Rochester, MN) Visitation will be held Wednesday January 10, 2024 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home and one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Downsville, WI.

Memorials can be made to the Midwest Bible Baptist Church in Rochester, MN.

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Reneson family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com