Renate Weining

Renate Weining

September 22, 2025

Charlotte, North Carolina - Renate Weining was welcomed into the arms of our Heavenly Father on Monday, September 22, 2025. Somewhat unexpectedly, yet in His perfect timing, the Lord called her home on a sunny afternoon with both of her daughters at her side in the hospital. With great joy through tears, we know she is now more alive than we are (1 Corinthians 13:12). We rejoice she is in the presence of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit for eternity!

Renate was born in Germany in 1940, during World War II, to the late Heinrich and Elfriede Johanndieding. Ultimately seeking shelter in Upper Silesia with maternal grandparents, the family ended up fleeing the Russian advance in 1945 on two occasions. After the war, they lived in extreme poverty as refugees in the northern part of West Germany. Renate experienced harsh discrimination; all refugees had to go to a separate school, playground and church.

Post WWII, starting from only rubble, through sheer determination, survival instincts and sacrifice, Renate's parents were blessed to build up their well-loved restaurant and inn.

By the grace of God, she was a loving and generous person. Meeting Renate with her radiant smile, and knowing her lively, extroverted, and fun-filled personality, one would never expect her childhood to have been so traumatic. She loved all people and was truly passionate about dancing! She met her handsome and caring husband, Karl, at a formal dance hall in Muenster, Germany. His career led them to the USA where they ultimately settled in Charlotte, NC, in 1974.

Renate greatly enjoyed socializing, meeting new people, serving others, volunteering, following real estate trends, decorating, deepening her faith, and being a devoted wife and loving mother.

All love is from the Lord; Renate was His vessel even before she walked with Him more closely. In her 40s, she discovered the joy of knowing her Savior, Jesus Christ, in a more personal way. Renate was alive and filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:1-11, John 14, John 16:4-15). Her faith blossomed; she realized how much the Lord loves her and knows exactly who she is. She wanted everyone to know God loves them too and spent the rest of her earthly life finding ways to encourage others in their walks of faith, starting with her own family. Renate and Karl hosted a prayer fellowship in their home for almost ten years. People came to know the Lord through hearing personal testimonies, worship music, and guest speakers. Her heart ached for the lonely, the afraid, the unhoused, and the unborn; she valued life from conception to natural death. When she loved you, she loved you fiercely, was your advocate and called on all heavenly and earthly resources to come to your aid. Her family knows she is praying for you right now!

She offered her two daughters every lesson and opportunity possible. Renate provided her daughters with a happy and carefree childhood. She made them feel safe, cared for and supported; they were lavished with love, but never spoiled.

As a grandmother, her unconditional love knew no bounds. She was a constant in the lives of her grandchildren and was intentional about spending time with each of them. She was so proud of their accomplishments, work ethic and especially how they are living out their faith.

We rejoice that her faith is now sight. Our lives will be forever blessed and enriched by having known Renate as a wife, mother, grandmother and friend. As we are one in the Spirit and one in the Lord, she will always be in our hearts, and we anticipate the joyous day when we will join her and our Heavenly Father!

"Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal." 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

Renate is survived by her two daughters, Melanie Weining and Anya Weining Ward and her husband, Don, and her three grandchildren, Ava, Weston, and Elise. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews, along with their children. In addition to her parents, Renate was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Karl; by their first precious baby, stillborn in 1970; four brothers-in-law, and one sister-in-law.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC. The family will receive friends at the church from 9:30 AM until 10:45 AM. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn East Cemetery in Matthews, NC.

Memorials may be offered in memory of Renate to: Charlotte Missionaries of Charity, 1625 Glenn Street, Charlotte, NC 28205; Catherine's House, 141 Mercy Drive, Belmont, NC, 28012; Holy Angels, 6600 Wilkinson Blvd., Belmont, NC 28012; Missionaries of the Poor, Guardian Angels Monastery 1403 Griffith Road, Monroe, NC 28112.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. A complete obituary may be found and online condolences shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.