Renae Leffler Obituary
Renae was born in Rockford, Illinois, an only child to Virgil and Genevieve (Garavalia) Kliebe on November 23, 1946. She was the apple of her father's eye, with a strong will and adventurous spirit from the start. Renae received a Business of Science degree in elementary and special education from Illinois State University in 1968 and a master's degree in education administration from the University of Illinois in 1983. She spent 30 years teaching 4th and 5th grades at Lincoln Trail Elementary in Mahomet. She retired in 2006, having made a difference in thousands of children's lives over her exemplary career.
Renae met her future husband, Ralph J. Leffler, at Illinois State University in 1967. They married in June of 1968 and had a loving and supportive marriage for over 57 years. Together they raised two equally strong-willed children, Jennifer Hilton (Mark) and Nicole Wise (Tim). Ralph and Renae traveled throughout their lives and had many adventures together.
Renae was preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her mother, husband, children, and her two grandchildren, Shelby Grimwood and Byron Winkle, who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.
Renae was an incredible baker and cook. She delighted in preparing dishes to share with friends and family and could always be counted on to bring the tastiest treat to any gathering.
Even in her diminished state near the end of her life, Renae quickly made friends at her memory care facility, where she was happiest when they gave her a task to complete and treated her like a member of the staff.
Renae will be remembered for her kindness, unwavering work ethic, and devotion to her friends and family. She cherished her many friendships, with several lasting her entire lifetime. Her spirit will live on in all who knew her.
A celebration of life service will be held at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in Renae Leffler's name
People and places connected with Renae
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Renae's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Renae Leffler's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
