Billy D. Renke

Billy was born April 7, 1934 in LaSalle, Colorado to William and Katherine (Reiswig) Renke. He lived in the Weld County area from 1937 – 1956. Bill was employed at Weld County Garage and after five years joined the U.S. Navy in 1956. He attended boot camp near the Great Lakes and school for training devices in Memphis, Tennessee before a duty tour in Jacksonville, Florida. He then was transferred to Beeville, Texas and then San Diego, where he was with Patrol Squadron No. 48. Billy had a six-month deployment to the Philippines with detachments to Cameron Bay, Vietnam. He was also stationed at Moffitt Field, California, with detachments to Japan, the Philippines and Adak, Alaska. In 1970 Bill had a four year tour of duty in Memphis, Tennessee after which he went to VS28 in Cecil Field, Florida. His last tour of duty was in Bermuda. Upon retirement in 1978, he moved to Millington, Tennessee. In 1997, Billy moved back to Greeley.

Billy loved to travel alone and explore the US, to visit his friends, John and Theresa and to go to his squadron reunions. He also liked to travel with the Senior Center for day trips, week long adventures around Colorado and a trip to Ireland. There was a special place in his heart for the group leader, Tiffany. He had two longtime friends; his 14 year NASCAR Internet friend, Nancy, and Jerry Queen, who was like a little brother to him.

Billy enjoyed puzzles and playing pool at the Greeley Senior Center. His favorite place to eat was Barnstormer Restaurant at the Weld County Airport. Another favorite pastime was playing pinochle with his sister and nieces and nephews.

Billy is survived by one sister Helen Jager and 24 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters Lillian George, Mary Schmidt, Tillie Edwards and Edith Mayer; four brothers Art, Herb, Harold and Alvin.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 – 12:00 p.m., Friday, July 11 at Stoddard Funeral Home, followed by funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Interment will take place at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Memorial contributions may be made to Greeley Senior Center in care of Stoddard Funeral Home, 3205 W. 28th Street, Greeley, Colorado 80634.

Please visit www.stoddardsunset.com to sign online guestbook.