Renate W. Allespach

We regretfully announce the loss of our beloved mother and friend Renate Weinmann-Allespach on September 6, 2021. Renee died from complications relating to liposarcoma cancer. In her last weeks, she was surrounded by family and friends. She died peacefully at her home in Powell listening to Mozart's "Eine Kleine Nachtmusik" and her favorite Beethoven with family by her side.

Renee was born in Schw?bisch Hall, Germany, February 24, 1944. The youngest of five children, she was raised in the village of Kesselfeld by fruit tree farmers, wine makers and schnapps distillers. At the of age 16 she left for the Black Forest to study Hotel and Restaurant Hospitality Management. It was there that she met her future husband Ziggy. He left for Switzerland continuing his chef training and five years later she joined him in Fort Worth, Texas. A fairy tale romance, they married in 1967 and a year later daughter Stephanie was born; son Marc followed soon after.

Partners for life Renee and Ziggy moved to Columbus in 1972. Together they worked, saved and achieved their dream of restaurant ownership, opening Ziggy's Continental in 1978. Side by side they built a community, Renee as the house maitre D' and Ziggy the executive chef. They created a space to showcase their love for food, wine and hospitality. A fine dining experience of continental cuisine with an emphasis on Swiss-French haute cuisine, a first in Columbus.

With a European perspective Renee encouraged people to recognize the hospitality industry as a complete career, helping change perceptions about what waitstaff could be. She and Ziggy worked with Columbus State Community College to establish an American Culinary Federation Apprentice Program, one of the first of its kind. A first-class hostess Renee understood the art of service and how to make people feel special. As one customer Tom Jones sang, "She's got style, she's got grace…she's a lady." Renee welcomed everyone with a smile from the Who's Who of Columbus like Mayor Buck Rinehart to teenagers on prom night, she did not discriminate. Other guests included Boston Symphony Orchestra conductor Seiji Ozawa and Vice President-Nobel Peace Prize winner Al Gore.

A connoisseur, Renee introduced wines and champagnes that no other establishment sold. First growth French Bordeuxs, German wines from Mosel, Californian Cabernet Sauvignons and French champagnes Mo?t and Chandon. Ziggy's Continental established the first and only Four-Star restaurant in Columbus, enjoying a long run with Mobil Guide until 1989. After selling the restaurant, her work-partnership with Ziggy continued at the Lakes Country Club. A savvy business woman, she would later go into real-estate investment and owned and ran the luxury consignment shop Mona Lisa.

A perpetual world traveler she loved culture and adventure. Touring with family and friends snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef and bicycling in Berlin. A lifelong skier and member of the Hans Dorn Tyroler ski club, she traversed the Alps and California with her daughter and grandson. She had a fondness for sailing, steering Lake Erie, Saint Thomas Island and cruising with her son in South Carolina. She collected art and explored museums in London, Paris and New York, other expeditions included China, Columbia and Mexico.

Music and dancing were possibly Renee's greatest love. She played violin as a child and took up piano at 60. She had a proclivity for dancing from the Shake to the Polka. She and Ziggy danced the Tango in Argentina! She was always on the lookout for live music, Jazz or R&B. A strong supporter of symphonies and operas from Venice to Vienna and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. A wonderful grandmother, she introduced her grandson Max to opera at a young age. In 2019, he had the honor of singing for her in the Los Angeles Opera production of La boh?me.

A friend, "sister" and mentor to many, she is described as inspirational, kind, loyal, noble and fun. Renee is survived by Marc Allespach, Stephanie Allespach, Maximilian Allespach-Matsu, Diana Schon-Rupp, Max & Felix Weinmann, and is predeceased by Ziggy Allespach, Eberhard Weinmann, Hermine Weinmann-Linse. We also want to acknowledge Renee's friends who were incredibly supportive during her last days, Rosemarie Keidel, Kay Kibby-Kaufmann, Debbie Steele, Kevin & Edie Sullivan, Peter Smerdon and Amy Dorn. As well as long-time supporters Carol Kizer, Kamal Boulos, Pamela Bishop and Bill and Joyce Roberts.

"Unable are the Loved to die

For Love is immortality." - Emily Dickinson

The public "Celebration of Life" at Schoedinger's that was scheduled for November 20, 2021 has now been changed to a private event. If you are interested in attending please contact Stephanie at [email protected]." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[email protected]. If you are unable to attended we welcome you to share any tributes and memories with us on Renee's "Share a Memory" page, Renee & Ziggy’s Continental Friends Facebook group, or email us directly at [email protected]. We would love share your acclamations as we give toasts during the memorial dinner.

In memory of Renee, the family asks that any donations be made to the Renee & Ziggy Allespach Fund to establish a permanent legacy in Mitchell Hall and to recognize distinguished alumni of Columbus State's School of Hospitality Management & Culinary Arts. Designation to Renee at https://foundation.cscc.edu - We thank you for your support.

Much love,

The Allespach Family