Andrew R. "Andy" Reneau

Reneau, Andrew R. "Andy" Andrew R. Reneau, died peacefully on May 6, 2007, at the age of 90. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 53 years, Phyllis L. Reneau. He is survived by four sons; David (Linda), Paul, Joseph (Dories) of Milwaukee and Peter of Alexandria, VA. Andy was affectionately known as "Poppy" to his surviving grandchildren, Marni Reneau, Donielle Reneau-Zynski, Nicole Riva, Marcel Reneau, Paul Reneau II, Andrae Reneau, Victoria Reneau-Rickel, Kirsten Reneau and Jonathan Reneau; and two great- grandchildren, Nia Reneau and Jordan Paul Reneau. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, cousins and countless dear friends. Andy was born in Pontotoc, Mississippi on September 22, 1916, the grandson of slaves. His family moved to Beloit, Wisconsin in 1918 and in 1937 he graduated from Beloit High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from UW-Madison in 1942 and a Juris Doctorate from Marquette Law School in 1946. Andy managed a successful law practice for more than thirty years, specializing in criminal defense and family law. He was the first African-American to run for a Milwaukee County judicial post and the first to be offered an appointment as a Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney. In 1976, he accepted an appointment as an Assistant Family Court Commissioner for Milwaukee County. Andy was later named Milwaukee County Family Court Commissioner in 1978, a position he served with distinction until his retirement in 1995. He is a past president of the Milwaukee Chapter of the NAACP; the first editor of The Globe, one of Wisconsin's first African-American newspapers; served as a member of the State Bar of Wisconsin's Board of Governors and as vice-chair of the National Conference of Christians and Jews. Andy was a founder of St. James United Methodist Church in Milwaukee; served as vice-chairman of the Boy Scouts of America, Milwaukee Council; was a director of the North Central YMCA and an officer of its Y's Men service organization. He is also past director of the Marquette University Law School Alumni Association. Andy was a frequent guest lecturer on family law at both the University of Wisconsin and Marquette University Law Schools. Among his many awards and accolades, Andy received the "Black Excellence Award" from local media sponsors in 1996 for his contributions to the community in the field of law and was awarded the "Lifetime Achievement Award in Law" from Marquette University in 2003. His quick wit, sense of humor, generosity and genuine compassion for family, friends and associates will live on forever in our thoughts. One of the fondest memories for all who knew Andy surely must be watching him stationed at the backyard grill where he prepared his famous barbecue ribs for all to enjoy. The family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the staffs of the Seven Oaks Rehabilitation and Health Center and Horizon Home Care and Hospice for their wonderful care of Andy. Visitation Saturday, May 12, from 11 AM until 1:00 PM at Wisconsin Memorial Park, Chapel of the Chimes, 13235 W. Capitol Dr., Brookfield, Wisconsin. A memorial service will immediately follow at 1:00 PM.