Barbara L. Renken

Barbara Lee Renken, 87, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, September 28, 2018 at her home surrounded by her family. Barbara was born November 6, 1930 in Tipton, Indiana, daughter of the late Joseph and Ermenia (Zanotelli) Fellin. She married John Renken on April 4, 1981 in Rhinelander. He survives. Barb worked as the executive director of the Northern Area of Aging. She enjoyed her job and excelled at it. Barb retired early and immensely enjoyed retirement. Barb and John traveled yearlong in their RV for 19 years. They spent time in Arizona, Mississippi, Florida, Minnesota and Colorado. They enjoyed their visits to Mississippi the most. In the 19 years that they traveled, Barb and John put almost 500,000 miles on their RVs. Barb is survived by her husband, John Renken; daughter, Beth Ann (Steve) Plautz; sons, Gary White, Don White, Robert (Tina) White and Dean White; step-son, Timothy (Terrie) Renken; nine grandchildren, Jessie White, Nichole (Nick) Blennert, Michele (Jason) Wright, Becky (Greg) Schneider, Bobby (Rachel) White, Cory White, Nickolas White, Steve (Inge) Plautz and Andrea Plautz; thirteen great-grandchildren, Westin, Nick, McKenna, Evelyn, Irene, Travis, Alexis, Spencer, Alyssa, Easton, Emerie, Brody and Anya; sister, Pat (Bob) Tiarks; and niece and nephew, Trish Johnson and Bobby Tiarks. Barb was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Ermenia Fellin; and her first husband, Marvin White. Per Barb’s wishes, no services will be held. Taylor-Stine Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Merrill, is assisting the family. The family wishes to thank Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services, Paul Proulx, and the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home for the care they offered Barb and her family. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com