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Louis Renner Obituary
The second of five siblings, Louis Lawrence Renner was born on April 25, 1926, in Bismarck, North Dakota, to John J. and Rosa (Gustin) Renner. The family moved to Tacoma, Washington, in 1937. He graduated from Bellarmine Preparatory in 1944, and entered the Jesuit Novitiate in Sheridan, Oregon. He followed the regular course of Jesuit formation studies and teaching experiences. Fr. Renner was ordained a priest June 15, 1957, in Spokane.
Showing great promise and desire for advanced studies, Fr. Renner attended the Sorbonne in Paris, France and completed a doctorate in philosophy from the University of Munich, Germany, in 1965. He embarked on a teaching career at the University of Alaska Fairbanks from 1965 to 1980. Retiring with the status of professor of German, emeritus, Fr. Renner shifted his energies to writing and pastoral duties. He was editor and chief writer of the "Alaskan Shepherd" - the major newsletter of the Diocese of Fairbanks - and served as the visiting priest for the Koyukon Athabaskan Indian villages of Ruby and Tanana.
In 2002, Fr. Renner was missioned to write a comprehensive history of the Catholic Church in Alaska; this was published in 2005 as "Alaskana Catholica" and was his fifth published book. In October 2002, Fr. Renner was honored by Tony Knowles, governor of Alaska, with the "2002 Governor's Award for Friend of the Humanities." That same year, Fr. Renner relocated to Spokane and became a "writer in residence" at the Gonzaga University Jesuit Community. In addition to his writing, he ably assisted the staff of the Archives and Special Collections with his vast knowledge of people, places, and events in the Pacific Northwest. Fr. Renner's sixth book, "A Kindly Providence: An Alaskan Missionary's Story" was his autobiography and was published in 2008.
Fr. Renner is survived by his brothers, William, Leonard and Albert, and his sisters, Julie McMillan and Della Carlin. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Richard. There are several nieces, nephews and cousins as well. He will be deeply missed by his many friends, former students, colleagues, parishioners, and brother Jesuits of the Oregon Province.
A rosary service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 28, in the Jesuit House Chapel on the Gonzaga University campus. The funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 28, also in the Jesuit House Chapel. The burial will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, March 28, at Mt. St. Michaels Cemetery.
Contributions in honor of Fr. Renner may be sent to: The Senior Fund, c/o The Oregon Province, Society of Jesus, P.O. Box 86010, Portland, OR 97286 or The Alaskan Shepherd, 1312 Peger Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709 or to the charity of the donor's choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Louis Renner
Sponsored by Ball & Dodd Funeral Home.
Larry (Lucky) Scoles
September 26, 2015
Dr. Renner was my German teacher at the University of Alaska in Fairbanks Alaska for three years from 1974-1978. He was one of the best teachers I have ever had and certainly one of the best educated and with a world of experiences and knowledge. Sometimes we would play chess at night, and sometimes I would beat him, but usually he would win. I have a lot of respect for this fine human being and was sorry to learn of his passing.
April 16, 2015
Father Renner taught us poems by Goethe and was patient as I tried to complete all of the assignments in old German script with illustrations. He told us of the difficulties of the farm workers in California. In my travels to Europe I was able to make friends by reciting pieces of the Goethe poems. My life work as an artist has been influenced by the cultural and social concerns that Father Renner shared with us at Monroe High School.
Robert Nelson
April 3, 2015
I knew Father Renner from his first year at Monroe, when he was religion teacher and class adviser to the six of us in the first graduating class, of 1959. During religion class, he would play opera records for us, leading in my case at least to a lifelong love of opera and opera performance. He was unlike our other teachers, and felt more like a colleague than the usual authority figure. I have imagined that this was because he was closer to our own age. Yet he seems to have had a similar salutary effect on many others throughout his life. I feel lucky to have known such an extraordinary person and to have gotten back into contact with him in recent years. I will miss him.
April 1, 2015
Father Renner taught my husband and me at Monroe High School in the 60's. He was a new priest in his 30s. He came to my husband's 25th high school reunion and was a delight to visit. He and I have written to each other for years and I will miss him.
May he rest in peace and may his family be comforted.
Cherie and Mike Kelly, Fairbanks, AK
March 30, 2015
I am very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in our loving Heavenly Father. "He will become A secure refuge in times of distress." Psalms 9:9
March 30, 2015
I am so sorry for the family's loss. May you have peace through prayer during this difficult time. Philipians 4:6,7
March 29, 2015
We are so sorry for the loss of your brother and friend.
We just read Fr. Louis's obituary and had just realized that his parents, aunts and uncles were at our wedding in 1962. We still have the beautiful crucifix that was given to us by Fr. Louis's parents. My sister commented that she went to school with Julie. We wish we would have known earlier about the Funeral Mass as we would have been there. Wish we could have met him. Our prayers are with him and with your family.
Wayne and Norita Eckroth Fugere
Betsy Gelvin
March 28, 2015
I am from Alaska. He was my teacher at the university in Fairbanks in the early 1970s. I did not know he was living in Spokane. I surely wish I had known since I came here in the 90s. He was one of the kindest and most genuine people I have ever met. I will never forget him. 15 years after he was my teacher, I went on to teach at the same high school in Fairbanks where he taught. I'm so happy to know that I followed in his footsteps in more ways than one without even knowing it. What a unique and wonderful human being.
March 28, 2015
We who shared time and ministry with Fr. Renner in Alaska have fond memories and great respect.
Sr. Eileen Brown, SNJM; Sr. Peggy Pillette, SNJM, Sr. Peggy Glynn, OP; Sr. Pam Miller, OP.
March 27, 2015
Condolences to the family and all who mourn. Death always presents a difficult time for everyone even for our lord Jesus Christ. He was so affected by his friend Lazarus' death that he "groaned" several times and even shed tears. It is comforting to know that as he did for Lazarus, he promised to do for all who have fallen asleep in death (John 5:25,28-29, 11:11).
March 26, 2015
Fr. Renner was one of the kindest men around. May God grant him rest. Fr. was always there for whoever needed him.
John Sicilia
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