December 30, 1960 - October 28, 2019
After a courageous battle with a particularly virulent cancer, Renee Blackburn VanWagnen Richardson Schulte died on the morning of October 28, 2019, in Lansing MI, at the age of 58. In her final days, she was visited and contacted by many family members and friends, and she extended her love to all of them.
Renee's beautiful life will be remembered in the lives of her cherished husband, David; mother, Gladys Starking; daughter, Ashley (Tom) VanAtta, daughter, Allison (Matthew) Snyder; son, Nathan (Vicki) Schulte; sister, Lynette (Steve) VanWagnen; brother, Wayne (Debbie) Starking; sister, Jean (Wayne) Cowan; brother, Brian (Penny) Starking; sister, Lisa (John) Clark. Renee's beloved grandchildren are Samantha, Tommy, and Joey VanAtta; Emma and Landon Snyder; and Jameson Schulte. She is also survived by many loving cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Renee was born in Pensacola, FL, to William and Gladys Blackburn, but her dad was Leland Starking. Leland and Gladys raised her together from the age of 7. Renee grew up in Lapeer, MI, in a boisterous blended family of four girls, two boys, and several pets of all varieties. She loved music, her friends, and her yellow bike with the banana seat. She graduated from Lapeer West Senior High School. She had an undeniable work ethic and began her first job at the age of 15. Renee was a loyal friend and co-worker, a fiercely protective and affectionate mother, and a loving and steadfast sister and daughter. Every occasion was more fun when she was there because her presence lit up a room.
Renee reunited with David Schulte in 2010, and they were inseparable thereafter and married on November 6, 2015 There were camping trips, family vacations, and happy times spent with both of their families. In 2018, Dave and Renee moved to their home by the lake in Owosso, MI, where they loved to kayak and go boating and fishing. Renee began a much-deserved retirement in 2019 and adored her life with Dave and being able to spend time with her dearly-loved mom. She was a bright light in the world, and that light is shining now in heaven.
A celebration of life service will be held for Renee at Brown Funeral Home; 1480 Hill Road; Grand Blanc, MI, on Saturday, November 2.
Contributions in her memory may be made to: Pancreatic Cancer Action Network; 1500 Rosencrans Avenue Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
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