William Rens

     William Rens, age 82 of Sioux Center, Iowa passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at Sioux Center Health in Sioux Center.

     Memorial service will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at Faith Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center with Pastor Bob Pollema, officiating. 

     A prayer service will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, December 3^rd at Faith Christian Reformed Church in Sioux Center with burial to follow at Memory Gardens.

     Visitation will be Monday, December 2, 2019 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM with family present at the Faith Christian Reformed Church of Sioux Center.

     Memorials may be directed to the Sioux Center Christian School.

     Memorial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

William R. Rens, son of Richard and Helen (Wassink) Rens, was born January 3, 1937 in Hull, Iowa.  He  and his twin brother, Richard, were born during a snow storm at the Hull Hospital in Hull, Iowa. He was raised on various farm places in northwest Iowa.  He attended many different country schools as well as Western Christian High School. 

After leaving high school, William worked for his uncle, Arend Wassink, as a carpenter.   In 1959, he was drafted into the Army.  He served for two years, and then was recalled until 1962 because of the Berlin Crisis.  He was honorably discharged.

On October 26, 1961 William (Bill) married Joan Vreeman in Raymond, Minnesota.  After living in Tacoma, WA for a year while Bill finished his army service, the couple decided to build their family in Sioux Center, Iowa.  Bill and Joan were blessed with five children, Linda, Robert, Ronald, Gwen, and Julie.

In 1963, Bill started Rens Construction.  Throughout more than 40 years as a carpenter and general contractor, he built and remodeled many homes, schools, churches, businesses, and hospitals. He mentored and trained many employees. He appreciated and cared for them and their families. He retired in 2002.

Bill believed in using his talents and gifts to serve others. He attended Bethel Christian Reformed Church and later Bill and Joan became charter members of Faith CRC.  He served as an elder and a deacon at various times.  Bill and Joan were foster parents for Bethany Christian Services.  Bill served on the school boards of Sioux Center Christian School and Unity Christian High School.  He was appointed to the Sioux County Board of Adjustments and the Planning and Zoning Board. Throughout the years he served on various other mission projects in a variety of capacities. 

Building relationships were important to Bill.  He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, especially many hours boating at the lake in the summer. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, traveling, golfing, playing cards and games, and spending retirement years in Arizona.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 58 years, Joan; his children: Linda & Grant Diekevers of Sanborn, IA, Robert & Rebecca Rens of Sioux Center, IA, Ronald & Stephanie Rens of Sioux City, IA, Gwen & Kris Marra, of Sioux Center, IA, and Julie & Craig Burhoop, of McCook Lake, SD; his grandchildren:  Jennifer & Andy Prins, Kayla & Mike Zevenbergen, Jason & Alison Diekevers, Amber Rens, Amanda Rens, & Amelia Rens, Ashley Schlag, Megan & Dan Reel, Hannah Rens, Kristopher Marra, Maddie Marra, Dustin Marra, & Jordyn Marra, and Abigail Burhoop & Isabella Burhoop; and 10 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Richard & Janet Rens, Joan’s family including Evelyn Vreeman, Jan Vreeman, Frances Ter Wisscha, Clayton & Elaine Vreeman, Dorothy & Marty Shockley, Marvin & Ruby Vreeman, Jim & Gen Zuidema, Marlys & Dale Van De Riet, and John & Linda Vreeman, and many nieces and nephews. 

Those greeting him at Heaven’s gate include: his parents, his grandson, Brady Burhoop, his sister, Hattie Vander Plaats, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Gerrit Vander Plaats, Delores Rens, Gerald Vreeman, Dennis Vreeman, Gerald Ter Wisscha, Harvey Slagter, Betty Vreeman, Inez Vreeman and Gladys Zuidema.