The Superior Express -

Berdon Lee “Cork” Renz, 86, of Deshler, was born Feb. 25, 1934, in Ruskin, to Ebel and Hazel (Larsen) Renz. He died June 11, at Thayer County Health Services in Heb- ron. He attended Ruskin High School and graduated with the Class of 1952.

He was united in marriage to JoAnn Schultz on Aug. 29, 1954. They had two sons, Rocky (Marj) Renz, Hardy, and Barry (Dorothy) Renz, Deshler and three daughters, Cindy Renz, Omaha, Neb., Patricia Crockett, Superior, and Eve (Kirk) Duensing, Byron.

Cork worked as a carpenter, gravel truck driver, livestock hauler and farming in Nuckolls County and also ran a fertilizer plant with his brother. He then worked for both his sons, Barry and Rocky doing carpentry and farming up to the age of 62, because of a stroke.

They were members of Bethany Lutheran church, Ruskin until they moved to Deshler. Then they transferred their membership to Peace Lutheran, Deshler.

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

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ebel Christian Henry and Hazel Renz; wife, JoAnn; brothers, M.D. “Cap” Renz and brother-in-law, Robert “Bob” Werner; sister-in-law, Eugene “Bud” and Geraldine Schultz, Edwin and Bertha Mae Schultz, Wayne and Virginia Schultz and Heral Jean Schultz.

He will be remembered by his 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; 23 great-grandchildren; sister, Judith Werner, Carleton; sister-in-law, Mary Lou Renz, Deshler and brother-in-law, Keith Schultz, Superior; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

Visitation was held Monday, June 15 at Price Funeral Home, Hebron, with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m.

A graveside service was held at 10 a.m., Tuesday at the Spring Creek Cemetery, Ruskin, for all family and friends, with Rev. Joe Love officiating. Price Funeral Home, Hebron, was in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left at PriceUrbauerAhrendts.com.