Renate Wilms-Rovin

Renate Wilms-Rovin died peacefully, aged 83 on August 30th, 2022. She was surrounded by her family and close friends in Vitas Hospice House after a valiant battle with Mesothelioma. Despite many problems caused by her illness, her volunteer work always came first. She was a volunteer extraordinaire, a deeply caring family person and a good friend to all who knew her.

Renate, a longtime resident of Citrus County, was predeceased by her husband, Joe Rovin. She left a trail of devoted friends through her generous community spirit and volunteer activities with organizations such as Meals on Wheels-Citrus County, Literacy Volunteer with Citrus County Library System, Hope Lutheran Church in Citrus Springs, Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, Toastmasters International (District 84) and Family Resource Center both of Citrus County. Another love was as a Master Gardener and she often did gardening presentations to children at local elementary schools.

Renate was a world traveler. She loved to play tennis, run, hike and walk and visit with family and friends in Africa, America, Asia and Europe.

Renate was born on August 27, 1939 to Ernst Wilms and Lotte Wilms (née Kaatz) in Thuringia, Germany. In 1946 the family Manor in Sommeritz was confiscated and the family fled to Dessau where Renate started school. In January 1950 the family fled again, via Berlin, to Oberhausen in the Ruhr area, Germany.

After Middle School, Renate completed her education as a dietician in Switzerland and learned the art of making her famous Bircher Muesli. She emigrated to the USA in1962, first as a caretaker for three young boys on Long Island, then at Flower Fifth Avenue Hospital in New York City, as a dietician. She also earned a Master’s degree in Nutrition and worked for many years at THE DOOR, a multi-service center for youths. She very much enjoyed the New York vibe. She made life-long friends in the New York area, with whom she has stayed in touch. After meeting and later marrying her future husband, Joe Rovin, they moved to Florida, setting first in Beverly Hills and finally in Citrus Hills, Hernando.

She is survived by her brother Hans-Friedrich Wilms of Essen, Germany, her sister, Karin Tippmann (née Wilms) of Bonn, Germany, her nephews Robert and Helge Tippmann, Peter Wilms, and niece Ulrike Wilms, as well as many grandnieces and grandnephews living in Europe; stateside stepson Dennis Rovin and wife Laura. Also special long-time friend and cheer leader, Susan LaPorte, and close friend and fellow German immigrant, Friedhilde Millburn and many others whose friendships she cherished.

Rest in peace, dear Renate, your fighting spirit and devotion to spiritual and human rights and volunteer work has been a beacon.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife Park, Meals on Wheels Citrus County, VITAS Hospice House, or a charity of your choice.

Memorial services will be held on Thursday, September 8th at 11:00 AM at the Celebration Lodge at Fero Funeral Home 5955 North Lecanto Highway, Beverly Hills, FL 34465, 352-746-4551. www.ferofuneralhome.com

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ferofuneralhome.com for the Wilms-Rovin family.