Born September 25, 1945 in Pekin to Henry Charles and Gertrude Marie (Nanninga) Renner, he married Sue A. Bragg on December 28, 1972 in Pekin. She survives.
Also surviving are four children, Brad (Nicki) Renner of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, Darin (Maria) Renner of Rimrock, Arizona, Corrie (Dustin) Salmon of Pekin and Haley (Jason) Woods of Pekin; eleven grandchildren, Nathan Renner, Nicole Renner, A.J. (Josie) Salmon, Avery Salmon, Allie Salmon, Axton Salmon, Arisa Salmon, Novalyn Woods, Ronin Woods, Griffin Woods and Briar Woods and one sister, Patricia Trulock of Taylorville, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
His parents preceded him in death.
A graduate of Pekin Community High School, Chic went on to Hiram Scott University in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, where he edited the university newspaper and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Contemporary Literature.
Chic was dedicated to the betterment of the Pekin community and served it faithfully in a number of widely varied capacities. He taught English at Pekin High School for five years before being enlisted to serve as the first district manager of the newly launched Illinois lottery. From there he was recruited to serve as director of marketing at Amcore Bank in Pekin; he filled several different positions for Amcore, finishing as President during the transition from Amcore to Commerce. He was President of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce from 1987 to 1988. He later served as the Executive Director of the Chamber from 1993 to 1996.
A long-time member of the Pekin High School District 303 Board of Education, serving several years as president, he was acknowledged by the National Organization for Women for being instrumental in the board’s decision to provide care for the infants of teens so that young mothers could finish school.
An active community volunteer, Chic was a popular performer, speaker and emcee for various functions. With the considerable help of a team of researchers, he composed the Pekin Sesquicentennial History Book. He was particularly dedicated to his work with Pekin United Way and Pekin Civic Chorus, where he was always proud to be a member of “Yock’s Flock” as he named the group of singers who led the traditional community Christmas sing-along.
A life-long member of First United Presbyterian Church in Pekin, he directed the choir, served as an elder and occasionally filled the pulpit.
Always conscious of the many people who helped him along the way, Chic used his influence to pass opportunities along to others.
Private services will be held at a later date. No visitation is planned. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. The entire family is grateful to the staff at OSF Hospital, Home Health and Hospice for the many ways they eased his final days.
Memorial contributions may be made to Cure J.M. Foundation (Juvenile Myositis), P.O. Box 45768, Baltimore, Maryland 21297 or by visiting www.curejm.org.
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