Jacob Michael Reninger

With great sorrow but steadfast trust in God, the Reninger family announces the passing of our beautiful son, Jacob Michael Reninger, age 17. He is survived by his parents, Joseph and Angela, as well as his younger sister and brother, and many other close and extended family members and many loving friends.
A student at Reservoir High School, Jacob will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Jacob had a compassionate heart that poured out kindness to others. At St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church in Laurel, Maryland, Jacob was a volunteer catechist and the first to learn all the kids' names every year. He was also a dedicated altar server - waking up early to serve at the 7:30 am mass. A Boy Scout, Jacob advanced to the rank of Eagle Scout and was proud of his project with the organization Sleep in Heavenly Peace that built beds for children in need.
Jacob was happiest outdoors. He loved camping, biking, swimming, and hiking. If he passed a piece of trash on the hiking trail he would pick it up and carry it out, even if that meant he was carrying a dripping, muddy bottle for a mile. He also enjoyed music and was an excellent saxophonist in the Reservoir High School marching band.
For the last several years, Jacob struggled with depression and anxiety. Before this illness gripped him, he enjoyed many happy afternoons playing touch football or casual basketball with friends. He was also fascinated with maps and world languages and would quiz his beloved sister and brother on obscure geographical facts. A keen chess player, he was always ready to join in any board game or a game of chess.
We give thanks to God for Jacob's life, mourn Jacob's untimely death and place our hope in the resurrection. We join St. Paul in saying: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. " Romans 8:38-39
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Sleep in Heavenly Peace Howard County.