Phillip M. Renkes, 90, of Morrison, IL, passed away Saturday, September 6, 2025, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, IL.
Phil was born October 16, 1934, in Clinton, IA, to Vernon D. and Janette (Dykema) Renkes. He was educated in the Clinton grade schools and graduated from Morrison High School in 1952. On September 9, 1955, he married Alice May “Maisie” Heusinkveld in Morrison. Following high school, Phil began working at Vern’s Home Furnishings, the family business owned by his father. He later became the owner of the store. n addition, he formed D & R Development Company, overseeing two condominium projects in Fulton, IL. Phil was a lifelong member of Ebenezer Reformed Church, where he served as Deacon, Elder, and member of the church Endowment Committee. He volunteered at the Morrison Food Pantry and was active in the community as a member of the Whiteside County Board, Morrison Rotary Club, and the Morrison Area Development Corporation Board of Directors. Phil enjoyed golfing and was an avid sports fan, especially of the Iowa Hawkeyes and Chicago Cubs.
Survivors include his wife, Maisie; daughter, Ann (Dave) Smazik of Elgin, IL; four grandchildren, Matthew (Alison) Smazik, Jennie (Brian) Socha, Kelli (Steve) King, and Alison (Darrion Denham) Neevel; six great-grandchildren, Jackson and Graham Smazik, Levi, Owen, and Maxwell King, and Makai Denham; son-in-law, Ken Neevel of Zeeland, MI.
He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sara Neevel; son, Steve Renkes; sister, Ellyn Wilkens; brother, David V. Renkes.
A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 9:30 a.m., until the time of service, at the Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison, IL.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. J. T. Bean.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
Interment will follow at Grove Hill Cemetery in Morrison, IL.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials have been established to the Ebenezer Reformed Church Endowment Fund and the Children’s Library at Odell Public Library.