Renshaw Benjamin "Renny" Garshelis

1945 - 2025

Renshaw Benjamin Garshelis

December 8, 1945 - May 13, 2025

CHARLESTON, IL - Renshaw Benjamin Garshelis, fondly known as "Renny," passed away peacefully at his home in Charleston, IL, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the age of 79. He was born on December 8, 1945, in Camden, NJ, to Benjamin and Elizabeth (Gunson) Garshelis.

Renny is survived by his two grandchildren, Isabella Garshelis of Boise, ID, and Athens Garshelis of Meridian, ID, along with his nephews, Ben Garshelis, Mark Marquesen, Kris Danner, Mike Danner, Tony Danner and his beloved labrador, Abbey. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sons, Jerry and Nicholas Garshelis; his sister, Joyce Marquesen; his brother, Jerry Garshelis; his nephew Richard Marquesen; and his cherished German shorthaired pointer, Jersey Girl.

A man of deep faith, Renny was raised in the Roman Catholic tradition. Renny earned his bachelor's, master's, and specialist degrees from Eastern Illinois University. While attending Eastern Illinois University (EIU), he lettered in both soccer and wrestling and was later inducted into the university's hall of fame for both sports. He then went on to spend 34 years of his life as a dedicated teacher and coach with the Charleston School District, where he developed the district's wrestling program in 1974.

Renny's passion for athletics was a constant throughout his life. His dedication to wrestling extended far beyond his collegiate years and earned him widespread recognition within the sport.

In 1992, Renny was named Official of the Year by the Illinois Wrestling Coaches and Officials Association (IWCOA), and just two years later, he was inducted into the IWCOA Hall of Fame in 1994. He continued to serve the wrestling community through officiating ( including the NCAA D-1, D-2 and D-3 Championships; Big Ten and Big Eight Dual meets; the Midlands; the Southern and St. Louis Open) and mentorship, contributing as a rules interpreter and clinician for the IHSA Wrestling Advisory Committee. He also served as the Supervisor of Officials for the IHSA Individual State and Dual Team State Tournaments.

In 2004, Renny was honored as a Grand Marshal at the IHSA Individual State Championships. His contributions to the sport included coaching blind wrestlers at the National Blind Championships and officiating numerous collegiate tournaments, further demonstrating his commitment to inclusivity and excellence. In 2009, Renny received one of the sport's highest honors when he was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame with the Lifetime Service to Wrestling award. He was also recognized in 2012 with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the IWCOA, cementing his legacy as a dedicated and influential figure in the wrestling community.

Renny was deeply involved in his community, serving as President of the Illinois Association for Blind Athletes, as a former Governor of the Charleston Moose Lodge, and as a board member of the Charleston Country Club. His contributions to local organizations were a reflection of his commitment to helping others.

Not only was he a lifelong sports enthusiast and active community member, Renny had a profound love for music, particularly the sounds of the 1960s-James Taylor, Neil Diamond, the Beatles, and Johnny Cash. He also had a passion for collecting coins, and was an avid pet lover, always accompanied by a dog. In the final years of his life, his loyal dog Abbey could be found by his side, rain or shine.

His son, Nicholas Garshelis "Nick," was his pride and joy. To Renny's grandchildren, Nick's children, Renny was more than just "Papa Renny," he was a constant source of laughter, wisdom, and warmth. Known for his quick wit and endless sense of humor, he always had a joke on hand, a clever riddle to stump you with, or a perfectly timed lyric from one of his favorite '60s songs. He loved making others smile, especially Isabella and Athens, who brought him immense pride and joy. Always playfully teasing a loved one, Papa Renny's charm was unmistakable, and his love for his family was boundless. His spirit lives on in the laughter he inspired and the memories he created with those lucky enough to know him.

A Rosary will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, in Charleston, with Father Michael Berndt officiating. Visitation will follow from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m., at the same location. Burial will take place immediately afterward at Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands, 21199 Hilltop St., Southfield, MI 48033.

To view the obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle, or share memories, please visit www.adamsfuneralchapel.com. Adams Funeral Chapel of Charleston, IL, is handling the arrangements.