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BORN
1930
DIED
2018
FUNERAL HOME
Laurence Rennert Obituary
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, married June 16, 1964, Shirley (Malchow) Rennert; sons, Jeffrey Rennert, Kevin Rennert; daughter, Melissa Mezick, 6 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son, Gregg Rennert; siblings, Marion Kurtz (George), Connie Voils (Don) and John Rennert.
A memorial service will be held at 11:0 0 a.m. on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Moultrie Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Community Hospice at https://www.communityhospice.com/give/ or Community Hospice & Palliative Care, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257 or to Moultrie Baptist Church, 3699 US-1, St Augustine, FL 32086.
Arrangements are under the care of St Johns Family Funeral Home & Crematory
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Laurence Rennert
Mike Chambers
September 2, 2018
Dutch Rennert was, like so many others, the reason I fell in love with umpiring while still in little league at 8 years old (I'm 46 now). I met him once, shook his hand, and had a short but memorable conversation with him at my Wendelstedt School graduation in 1991 in Ormond Beach. He was a guest speaker and I couldn't have been more excited.
It is clear he inspired many kids, some he knew and probably hundreds others he didn't just like me. It's September 3, 2018 and I just randomly decided to Google Dutch to see if there were any new videos of his games posted and saw the news of his passing. I'm sorry for your loss and I wanted to share my story in the hopes it will make you even more proud of him.
Susan Brady
July 18, 2018
Dear Shirley, Melissa and the Rennert Family,
I was so saddened to hear of Dutch's passing. What a gracious and humble man. I will remember Dutch fondly with a cigar in his hand and two dogs by his feet while he listened to baseball. May you find solace in knowing his faith has carried him home. I know these last few years have been difficult. Please know the love,care and respect that you showed to Dutch was commendable. No one could ask for anything more. Dutch was a great guy and he made this world a better place. Remembering you all in my prayers at this difficult time.
M. Scott Ott
June 30, 2018
One of my heroes passed away on Father's Day.
I knew him from his officiating basketball at my high school in Grafton, and followed his career in baseball. We kept in touch and he was instrumental in encouraging me to go to umpires' school, he also kept tabs on my short professional career.
This morning I dug out his letters he penned to me in 1976 and 1977 and had a great chuckle - a big league umpire writing to a minor league umpire was a big, big, deal.
He was one of a kind, and I shall never forget him.
Rusty Budlong
June 27, 2018
Jeff, sorry to hear of the passing of Dutch. I always enjoyed talking with him and trying on his World Series rings during the Dodger Pines days. Fond thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
RON KOCH
June 25, 2018
To the Rennert family- Didn't know Ductch well but always enjoyed watching him ump and talking to him during the offseason. As a side note, my mothe,r Kathryn Duex, baby sat him on Evans St. in Oshkosh in the 1930s. She always said she changed his diapers and he didn't howl as loud as his strike call
Sorry for your loss,
Michael Green
June 23, 2018
I certainly don't know the Rennert family. My only dubious connection is that I'm involved with a museum at the site of the post office where he worked in Las Vegas! But I'm a lifelong baseball fan, and I so enjoyed watching him work the plate and let everybody within several miles of the ballpark know whether the pitch was a strike. He was great for baseball. My sympathies to his family.
Brian Brantner
June 22, 2018
RIP Dutch. Sorry to hear of your passing. I will never forget you and Shirley.
Dana Miller (Dallman)
June 22, 2018
On behalf of my Mom, Katy Dallman and myself, please accept our heartfelt condolences. May you all find peace in knowing Dutch is having the ball game of his life. So sorry for your loss.
Wayne & Laurie Juedes
June 22, 2018
Dear Rennert Families~ Our deepest sympathies to you and your families.
Cindy Southern
June 22, 2018
To the Rennert family.. I am so sorry to hear that Dutch has passed away.. I got the opportunity to talk to him at Three Rivers in Pittsburgh and you always knew when the pitch was a strike..what a kind man..and it was was great to meet you Shirley when you were in Pittsburgh for the playoff game in 91 or 92.. prayers for your family
paul moylan
June 21, 2018
The ol gang is fading! we'll miss you old friend.
June 21, 2018
Melissa,
I am so sorry for the loss of your father. He was a very kind man.
From time to time I think about the fun we had working together at the Pioneer Inn. I don't know if I ever told you, my daughters middle name is Melissa. Named after you Missy.
I know you have a very close family and you will be able to comfort each other.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nancy Loper Binder
Robert Robien
June 21, 2018
Sorry for your loss! Dutch was a great person to know! Prayers to all. The Robien family!
Gary Johnson
June 21, 2018
RIP Dutch. Thanks for the memories and your friendship.
June 21, 2018
Dear Shirley and family.
I was so sorry to hear of Dutch's passing.
Melissa was a dear friend of mine when we both worked at the Pioneer Inn. Shirley, thank you for always being so kind to me whenever I came to your home to see Missy.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Nancy Loper Binder
Cindy Golz Benner
June 21, 2018
Shirley, So very sorry to hear of Dutch's passing. I have many fond memories of Dutch and family gatherings. Prayers and love to you and family.
Jeff Parrett
June 20, 2018
I am so grateful to have pitched and have Dutch make his strike call. As grateful as the guy with the farthest seats in the house that always knew whether the pitch was a ball or strike. Loved a fast game and a great pitch. Always a fan of him. Talked and helped a young pitcher.
Jeff Parrett
Joyce Rennert Siewert
June 20, 2018
Shirley we are so sorry to hear about Dutch. Dad spoke of him often about when they were kids and played ball. My dad, Dick Rennert (Dutch's cousin), passed on the 26th of February at age 87. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
I bet dad and Dutch are playing ball together again just like when they were kids.
Barbara Boycks
June 20, 2018
Dutch was so gracious to come speak to our Boy Scout troop Blue/Gold banquets. He was always quite a hit with the boys. They loved hearing his stories.
Dave Koenigs
June 20, 2018
Anyone who saw Dutch do a basketball game will remember his emphatic gesture to signify a basket counted after he called a foul. None of this casual one finger stuff that's used today. He would race halfway across the court toward the scorer's table and give a dramatic motion with his left hand signifying basket counted. Truly an original. RIP Dutch.
Paul Cameron
June 20, 2018
So sorry to hear about Dutch's passing. Praying for you Shirley and the kids. It's been a number of years since we've seen each other but mom and dad kept me updated. Paul
Bob Davidson
June 19, 2018
Rip Dutch-I was always proud to walk on the field with you!
Terry Tata
June 19, 2018
As a friend and partner I was saddened to learn of Dutch's passing. We worked together your first year and your finale
Many laughs good times and happy memories they cannot
be replaced
RIP
1989 World Series, Dutch at Work
Dan Ronan
June 19, 2018
Dear Shirley and Members of the Rennert Family,
Dutch was an exceptionally kind and generous man with a big heart. As a college student in Madison, Dutch summoned me up to Oshkosh in 1981 when he learned I was going to go to umpire school. We had lunch and Dutch spent several hours giving me material I would need to be successful. It was like an undergrad sitting with Einstein, talking about science. As we finished Dutch took me out to his car, opened the trunk and handed me a bag with several uniforms. I'll never forget him saying "We're about the same size, you're going to need good uniforms, but take the number and the NL patch off before you go to Florida, you don't want the instructors to give you a hard time. I still have the uniforms and his #13 plate coat is in a shadow box in my rec room. Dutch and I stayed in contact during his many years in the NL, and after retirement. I've been a guest in your home and both of you have treated me with kindness and love. Dutch really is "safe at home," in God's eternal care, and all of us who knew and loved him are better off because of that friendship.
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