The Superior Express -

JoAnn Martha (Schultz) Renz, 83, Deshler, was born May 1, 1935, to Ova and Martha Schultz near Ruskin. She died Tuesday, Jan. 1, at Brodstone Memorial Hospital in Superior.

JoAnn graduated from Ruskin High School with the Class of 1952. She was united in marriage to Berdon “Cork” Renz on Aug. 29, 1954. They had two sons, Rocky Renz, Hardy, and Barry Renz, Deshler, and three daughters, Cindy Renz, Elkhorn, Neb., Patricia Crockett, Superior, and Mrs. Kirk Duensing (Eve), Byron.

JoAnn and Cork lived near Ruskin while they farmed. JoAnn had several jobs off the farm. She worked at Nuckolls County Courthouse in Nelson, Wagon Wheel Cafe, Ruskin grocery store, Deshler Grain Elevator, and Parkview Haven nursing home. In her early years, she was a member of Bethany Lutheran church, Ruskin. After they moved to Deshler she transferred her membership to Peace Lutheran, Deshler. JoAnn served on the church council and with various women’s groups. She enjoyed being a homemaker, baking, especially homemade bread, gardening and canning her garden produce. She took great pride in perfecting her craft of sewing. Along with sewing her children’s clothing, she shared her sewing talents with many other family members and many of her friends. JoAnn enjoyed many different forms of crafting and crocheting. She also had a love for music. Playing the piano, singing and listening to music was a big part of her life.

JoAnn and Cork were bonded deeply in love. It didn’t matter what they were doing as long as it was with each other and their family. Going on rides with Cork was a big part of her life. Often times the five youngsters were in the back end of the pickup. Whether it was to Lovewell Lake, the river, or one of their many friends’ houses, JoAnn enjoyed her family time.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Martha and Ova Schultz; in-laws, Ebel Christian Henry and Hazel Renz; a sister, Madeline; brothers, Raymond, Eugene, Edwin and Wayne Schultz; sisters-in-law, Geraldine, Bertha Mae and Virginia Schultz; brothers-in-law, Merwin “Cap” Renz and Robert “Bob” Werner.

Survivors include her husband of 64 years, Cork Renz; her five children; 14 grandchildren, Jock, Jed, Joni, Brody, Brock, Britany Renz, Jordan Crockett-Drohman, Logan Crockett, Austin Karnatz, Desiree Swafford, Drew Spooner, Elizabeth, Trevor, and Cole Duensing; 21 great-grandchildren; her brother Keith Schultz, Superior; sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Renz, Deshler, and Judith Werner, Carleton; several nieces and nephews.

Her funeral was held Saturday at Peace Lutheran Church, Deshler. Price Funeral Home, Hebron, was in charge