Frederick Eric Rensch Jr.

Frederick Eric Rensch Jr., affectionately known as Fred, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2025, in Westmont, Illinois, at the age of 88. During his lifetime, Fred was a devoted husband, loving father, beloved grandfather, and cherished friend to many. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth, dedication, and community spirit.

Born on November 26, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, Fred was the son of Frederick Rensch Sr. and Irene Rensch. He grew up on Chicago's north-side along with two sisters, Barbara and Susan. Fred's cherished memories of his childhood included family trips to the Indiana Sand Dunes, attending Prom, and playing the Tuba in his high school band. Fred graduated from Kelvyn Park High School in 1954. After graduation, Fred proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed at Cape Canaveral, FL as a medic, for the duration of his four years of service. After concluding his military service, Fred returned to Illinois and went on to pursue and obtain his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois. His commitment to working with youth and education led him to a fulfilling career as a teacher at Hearst Elementary School in Chicago, where he inspired generations of students over his 26-year tenure.

On March 18, 1967, Fred married Patricia Worth in Chicago, Illinois. Their wedding(s) were truly unique, as his fiancé, Patricia Worth was ethnically Native American, and member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Fred and Patricia elected to honor both of their families, and hosted a traditional Christian wedding celebration, as well as a traditional Sioux marriage ceremony complete with a pow wow. The events drew much local attention and were reported on by a number of Chicagoland news/media outlets at the time.

Fred was a dedicated member of the First Congregational Church in Downers Grove for over five decades. He served as an usher countless times and was known for running the church’s sound equipment with care and precision for many years. Fred also thoroughly enjoyed fellowship with his church family, especially the several golf outings he engaged in with his buddies from church.

Aside from being a very dedicated husband and father, Fred’s greatest passion was bowling—a sport he not only loved but excelled at. He achieved the rare feat of bowling four perfect 300 games, and served as secretary of his bowling league for nearly 15 years. His enthusiasm extended beyond the lanes; he was also an avid fan of the Chicago Bears and Cubs. When not cheering on his teams or perfecting his game at the alley, Fred enjoyed golfing, solving jigsaw puzzles and puzzle books, and playing computer games.

Family meant everything to Fred. He found immense joy in attending his grandchildren’s sporting events—whether football, baseball, softball, or basketball—and never missed an opportunity to support them from the sidelines. His devotion to his grandchildren was extraordinary, earning him the title "Uber Grampa."

He is lovingly remembered by his daughters Andrea Rensch; Jennifer Hallett (née Rensch); Corinne Rensch; and Robin Rensch; daughter-in-law Ciera Rensch and Lindsey Rensch; grandchildren Sage Rensch; Aidan Hallett; Seth Hallett; and Caroline Hallett; sister Susan Boshers; as well as several nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. His great nephew, Cody Larque, shared a particularly close friendship with his Uncle Fred.

Fred was preceded in death by his beloved wife Patricia Rensch (née Worth); his parents Frederick Sr. and Irene Rensch; sister Barbara Josh (née Rensch); his son-in-law Brendan Hallett, and his brothers-in-law Arthur Josh and Don Boshers.

Memorial service Monday, May 12, 2025 at 6:30 pm at the First Congregational United Church of Christ Downers Grove, located at 1047 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove, Illinois 60515.

Arrangements entrusted to Woodlawn Funeral Home, Forest Park.