Beth E. Renkes, 86, of Morrison, IL, died Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison.
Beth was born May 3, 1939, in Morrison, to Carl and Effie (Dykema) Kuehl. She was educated in the rural Whiteside and Carroll County grade schools and attended Chadwick and Sterling High Schools. On May 31, 1956, she married Lester “Les” Renkes in Carroll County. They shared their lives for over 64 years, before his passing on March 8, 2021. Beth was an essential part of her husband’s Contracting business, Les Renkes Builders, where she contributed her eye for design through interior decorating and detailed interior woodwork. She also enjoyed doing upholstery work for many in the community. Beth and Les shared many interests throughout their marriage. They enjoyed riding motorcycles together, browsing antique shops, and taking drives to admire unique buildings and architecture. Above all, Beth cherished time spent with her family and took great joy in watching her children and grandchildren grow.
Survivors include her daughter, Angela (Jacob Gorman) Renkes of Morrison; sons, Randy (fiancé, Leanne Dykema) and Andrew (Kimberly) Renkes both of Morrison; 11 grandchildren, Paige LaShelle, Jeremiah (Trina) Renkes, Jedediah (Brandi) Renkes, Kyla (Greg) Hanson, McKenzie (Benjamin Linderman) Renkes, Emma (Gage Brady) Renkes, Allison (Eli) Smith, Tate (Lillian Pruis) Renkes, Katelynne (Ryan) Rodriguez, Courtney Stearns, and Brenden Stearns; 13 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Les; son, Russell Renkes; sisters, Marge McDonald and Ruth Reed; brothers, Harvey and Orville E. Kuehl.
There will be no Visitation or Funeral service.
A private family Graveside service will take place at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
A memorial has been established.