Renate F. McCarrell

1941 - 2022

Renate F. McCarrell

Renate F. McCarrell passed away peacefully, but unexpectedly, from this life on November 4, 2022, in Key West, FL, while on vacation with her daughter and son-in-law. She was having a ball being with family, enjoying warm weather, painting conch shells, dressing up for Halloween and living her best life. She will be fondly remembered for her zest for life, abundant love of her family, genuine happiness and warm energy. Throughout her life, Renate was vibrant, cheerful and had a unique ability to adapt to any situation.

Renate was born in Bamberg, Germany, on November 6, 1941, to Anton and Barbara Geisenfelder. She was raised with her older sister, Inge (Maidhof), in Aschaffenburg. Renate was a petite child with a big personality and a positive attitude. She completed her schooling and became a skilled seamstress.

Renate arrived in Columbia, S.C., in 1961. Her pride and joy were her 3 children: Constance Barbara, Anthony Martin and Robert James.

In 1971 the family moved to Tulsa, OK where Renate used her sewing skills working for local retailers. She then became a licensed realtor, which is interesting since she had no sense of direction (North, South, East or West) but somehow, she always found her way! Renate then spent several years serving others at local bars and restaurants. Of course, with her German accent, she was frequently asked by patrons where she was from and Renate always liked to say, "Bixby"! Renate worked very hard to provide for her 3 children and give them the best life possible.

In 1983, Renate met Jerry (Boo Boo) McCarrell, and they spent the next thirty years together. They became proprietors of the Par-T Lounge and the Village Cleaners, where Renate enjoyed many memories and much laughter with her friends and customers. The couple retired together in 2011.

In 1986 Renate became an American Citizen. She was very proud of her citizenship.

Renate had a lot of interests, including tending to her garden and always messing with her rose bushes. She was, up until a few years ago, the best fur baby mom ever. She enjoyed painting old yard art that had faded and giving it new life. During her last week, Renate was very proud of the conch shells she was in the process of reviving with bright colors in Key West. Her friends were dear and she held them close to her heart. The Chapel at St. Benedict's was a special place to Renate and she enjoyed visiting it. Renate was always up for a fun and new adventure and kept all those around her on the go too. Until her passing, she was active in water aerobics 3 times per week and she had a tight bond with her class.

Renate was preceded in death by her son, Tony, her husband, Jerry, and her parents, Anton and Barbara. She is survived by her daughter, Connie (Kevin) Taverner and son Robert (Tamra) Winter. She will always be the proud grandmother of Peyton, Elijah and Cade Winter. She also enjoyed the role of bonus grandmother of Christine (Andrew) Carter, Tyler (Christina) Taverner and Garrett Taverner, and bonus great-grandmother of Alice and Hattie Carter. She has many relatives and friends in Germany and held a warm affection for her two nieces, Stefanie & Katja. Family truly meant everything to Renate.

Renate was a very loved Mom, Mumsie and Omi. Her family is exceptionally proud and grateful to have had her in their lives. She truly was "unforgettable" and will be deeply missed by those she left behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 16, 2022, from 4pm to 7pm at The Lark Venue, 3009 E. 101st St. Tulsa, OK 74137. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choosing, the SPCA or Catholic Charities.

Renate lived, Renate laughed and Renate loved BIG!