Norman Renz

Norman "Dean" Renz, 85, passed away Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, at his home surrounded by family.

He was born Jan. 1, 1934, in Springfield, Illinois, to Frank W. and Gleta L. Lefever Renz.

Dean graduated from Feitshans High School in Springfield. In 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and took basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois.

He was married to Norma J. Ushman on July 4, 1953, in Springfield. They were married 66 years. Norma was the love of his life.

He served as YNT3 U.S. Navy during the Korean War on the USS Midway CV 41 Aircraft Carrier from 1952 to 1953; he was also stationed at VR22 Squadron at Naval Air Station in Norfolk, Virginia, until May 1956, when he was discharged.

Dean was a master mason at St. Paul Lodge 500 in Springfield, which he joined May 30, 1961. He was awarded his 50-years award in 2011. Dean was a member of American Legion Post 63 in Cape Girardeau.

In Springfield, Dean worked for Holsum Bakery as a salesman and for Continental Baking Company Hostess Cake Division. He was later was transferred to St. Louis for promotion to regional sales manager. He retired as regional sales manager from Wetterau Grocery Co. in Desloge, Missouri, in 1991, while living in O'Fallon, Missouri.

Dean and Norma traveled for six years before living in Mercedes, Texas, for 10 years. In 2006, the couple moved to Cape Girardeau. They spent a total of 24 years in the Rio Grande Valley, Texas.

Dean and Norma were members of Southside Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau.

Dean enjoyed being a grandpa to his granddaughter and to his three great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by a son, Michael D. (Donna) Renz of St. Peters, Missouri; and granddaughter, Jessica (Brian) Crump, and their children, Nathan, Chezney and Cody of Dutzow, Missouri.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a daughter, Nancy Jo Renz, and a sister, Thelma L. Tate.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

Funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bill Joyce officiating. Burial with full military honors will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Missouri Veterans Cemetery in Bloomfield.

Memorial contributions may be given to Southside Baptist Church.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.