Lucille Irene (Reck) Rennhack

Lucille Irene Rennhack (nee Reck) peacefully left this world on Monday, October 14 for an eternal life in Heaven.  She was born on March 9, 1927 to the late Gustave and Anna (Frobel) Reck.  She attended Immanuel Lutheran School in Bridgman, MI and graduated from Bridgman High School in 1945, where she was voted “most talkative” by her classmates.  On May 6, 1950, she was united in marriage to the late Dick Paul (D.P.) Rennhack.

After 3 years as newlyweds, they were blessed with three children in 30 months: Robin, Craig, and Kurt.  (One of Lucy’s favorite stories was when the nurse said to her, “Lucille, you’re here again?!?”).  They spent a number of years living near Weko Beach in Bridgman, and after a brief stint in Muncie, IN, they settled in Paw Paw, MI.  In 1968, they opened a Coast to Coast hardware store, which they owned and operated until retiring in early 1991.

Lucille and Dick’s 63 years together were filled with faith, laughter, and love.  One of the hallmarks of their relationship was their shared love of travel, without one other.  Lucy took many memorable trips with her sister, sister-in-law, and friends- with destinations including Germany and Hawaii.  Her favorite place to visit was Mackinac Island, where she would attend an annual Lutheran weekend retreat.  She was independent and liked her “quiet time” alone, but also eagerly anticipated Dick’s return from his various hunting and fishing trips.  She enjoyed time with family, often kidding her adult children by asking “How’s your mother?” at the start of any visit.  She was easy to laugh and quick with a joke.

Lucille was confirmed, along with Dick, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bridgman on Palm Sunday, April 4, 1941.  She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Paw Paw.  Having grown up during the Depression, Lucy was thankful for simple things and found joy in the small moments of life- often marveling “What will they think of next?!?” when told about a new technology that she had no interest in adopting.  Lucille’s humor, “go with the flow” attitude, and faith in God were attributes to be admired.  She loved going out to eat, reading the paper, and watching NBA games and the Detroit Tigers- scheduling naps so that she could stay awake for the televised games.

The family would like to thank those of you who enriched Lucille’s life- whether you spent a few moments chatting with her at Family Fare and other spots around town, anonymously picked up her tab at the Copper Grille, or waved at her when you saw her out driving.  She was always “tickled” by the kindness and company of her fellow community members.   And even when she couldn’t hear you well these last few years, she loved to exchange a smile.

Lucy was preceded in death by her husband Dick, her brother Maurice Reck, her sister Lorraine (Reck) Haas, and her daughter Robin (Rennhack) Nitz.  She is survived by her sons, Craig Rennhack of Paw Paw and Kurt (Kathleen) Rennhack of Interlochen, MI; six grandchildren, Rebecca (Jeff) Zuhlke of Tampa, FL, Eric (Michelle) Nitz of Lawton, MI, Rene (Ryan) Yarbrough of Sanford, MI, Richard (Emily) Rennhack of Paw Paw, Clare (Hannah) Rennhack and Kevin Rennhack of Interlochen; five great grandchildren, Austin Hoy, Lily Yarbrough, Harper and Lincoln Rennhack, and Savannah Rennhack; and several nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends on Friday, October 18 from 4 to 7 pm at the Adams Funeral Home in Paw Paw.  The funeral service will be held at 2:30 pm on Saturday, October 19 at Trinity Lutheran Church, with light snacks to follow.  Memorial contributions may be made in Lucille’s honor to Trinity Lutheran School in Paw Paw http://www.trinitylutheran.com/ or Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan https://www.hospiceswmi.org/give/