Tony J. Renner

Ethan, SD

1937, 2746, Alcester, SCS-3,

Tony J. Renner, 91, of Yankton, SD passed away peacefully Monday, August 9, 2010 at Avera Sister James Care Center. Anne, his wife of 67 years, and his children Barbara Levenson, Ruth Kline, and John were with him.

Visitations will be 4 to 7 p.m., with a Memorial Wake at 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 15 at Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home and Crematory. A Memorial Mass will be Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, followed by a burial at Sacred Heart Cemetery with Military Graveside rites by Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post #791, Yankton. Visitations will resume one hour prior to the service at the church.

Tony was born to John M. and Seraphine (Mayer) Renner on September 22, 1918 in Dimock, SD. He grew up on their farm with his brothers Adolph, Leo, and John. He graduated from Ethan High School in 1935, then moved to Yankton in 1940 to work at Heitgen's Drug Store. In 1942, he entered service in the Army Air Force's 475th Fighter Squadron in the South Pacific, liberating the Philippines. He married Anne Rokusek of Tabor, SD on July 31, 1943, and returned to Yankton upon discharge in December 1945.

Tony earned his Assistant Pharmacist Certification in 1947 and worked at Yankton Drug. He worked for Mead Johnson until 1951, and then Traveler's Insurance until 1959, when he and Russ Ahern bought Wallbaum Drug Store in Yankton. As the friendly face behind the counter, Tony also often made home deliveries to many nearby towns.

In 1969, Tony was appointed VP of Financial Affairs at Mount Marty College, growing its endowment until he retired in 1983. He was a popular supporter of the men's and women's MMC Lancer basketball teams.

Tony was active for many years with the Knights of Columbus as Deputy Grand Knight III, Golden K (Kiwanis), Elks, Chamber of Commerce, American Legion in Tabor and Yankton, VFW Post 791, and Sacred Heart Parish Catholic church.

Tony is survived by his wife, Anne; children Barbara & Harvey Levenson of Atascadero, CA; Ruth & Todd Kline of Hastings, NE; and John Renner & Mark Hamilton of Palm Springs, CA; grandchildren Jennifer & Kevin Warner, Matt & Lynn Morgan, Scott, Brynn, Burke & Andrea Kline, and Mark and Damien Levenson; great-grandchildren Brianna Levenson, Ellie Kline, and Kyler Warner. He is especially grateful for the love from his nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his children Mark, and Charlotte ("Char") Morgan, and by his parents and brothers.

Information provided by Andrea Harmes-Sindt

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