James Renken

James Eugene Renken, of Fitchburg, Wisconsin passed away peacefully on March 17, 2012 at Regina End of Life Suites in Hastings, MN, surrounded by his loving family, after facing metastatic prostate cancer for four years. Jim was born on November 1, 1940 in Sibley, Iowa; the son of John J. and Jennie (Wessels) Renken.Jim was a computer systems technical engineer for ASI, Calma Graphic Systems, EMR, Modcomp, and CHC. Jim worked throughout the United States and United Kingdom, supporting NASA, the Mayo Clinic, Jet Propulsion Lab, Alcoa and many other scientific and medical clients. Most recently, Jim was an analyst for NRCS in Madison. Jim loved horses, and enjoyed his volunteer work with Three Gaits, a therapeutic horsemanship program serving children with disabilities and special needs. Jim's hobbies included fishing, painting, biking, softball, hockey and walking on the beach at Okaloosa Island in Florida. Jim's proudest and most favorite moments were spent with his children; Kevin (Deborah) Renken and Jodi (Mark) Nordman; his grandchildren, Britni Lyn, Nathan James, Chelsy Marie, Kristina Jo, and Alyssa Kay of Cottage Grove, Minnesota and Melissa (Chuck) Bluemel of Long Beach, CA and Michelle Wade of Monticello, MN; and his great-grandchildren, Weston, Matthew, Lucas, and Annika. Jim is survived by Marti Sebree (his partner of 27 years), his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, his sisters and brothers; John R., Ervin (Norma), Janette (Harlan) Harthun, Delores (Milford) Elsing, Marilyn (Duane) Hagberg, and Kevin and Jodi's mother, Lonna (Jon) Hatfield; plus numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother, Harlan (Jean) Renken and his sister, Sandra (Jim) Cunningham. Funeral Service 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at Cottage Grove United Church of Christ, 7008 Lamar Ave. S., Cottage Grove, MN. Visitation 5:30-7:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 20, 2012 at Kok Funeral Home, 7676 80th St. S., Cottage Grove and continuing one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment at Cottage Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers and other expressions of sympathy, memorials preferred.