John Joseph Rensing, 81, of Belleville, IL, born April 16, 1943, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, IL.
John was a teacher and guidance counselor at Althoff Catholic High School for 51 years (27 classroom / 24 college placement) making him the longest full-time staff member in Althoff history. John enjoyed seeing the students develop into outstanding men and women. He was also an adjunct faculty member for Hickey College and Southwestern Illinois College.
John was an active member of St. Henry’s Parish and served on the board for many years at Catholic and Community Credit Union. He also was a volunteer with the boy scouts. John could often be found walking his dog, Buddy, at many local dog parks. They made many friends there along the way.
He was preceded in death by his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 53 years, Rita, nee Haas, Rensing, whom he married on November 23, 1965, at St. James Catholic Church in Millstadt, and who died on April 27, 2018; a grandson, Henry Rensing; a sister, Marilyn Haas and her husband, Larry; a sister-in-law, Margie Haas; his parents, Oscar and Edna, nee Ernst, Rensing; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Adolph and Marie, Idoux, Haas.
Surviving are his son, John (Sara) Rensing of Glen Carbon; two daughters, Brenda Hampton and Melissa (Robert) Borik, both of Belleville; ten grandchildren, Ben, Andrew, Noah, and Oliver Rensing, Nicky, Alex, and Allyson Hampton, and Kaitlynn, Lauren, and Robby Borik; as well as dear nieces and nephews.
John would like to express his gratitude to his life-long friends, Bill Schindler and his wife Barb for their unyielding support throughout the years. Special thanks to Dr. Mary Agne, Dr. Regina Chiu along with her colleagues at Prairie Cardiovascular, and the many nurses at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital.
John enjoyed spending time with friends and family. He especially enjoyed supporting his grandchildren at sporting events, band concerts, and Boy Scout Eagle Projects. John’s advice to everyone was to never give up, work to your fullest potential, remember to help others, love your family, and take time to thank God for the gifts you have received.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Althoff Catholic High School, to St. Henry’s Catholic Church, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or in the form of masses. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
Visitation: Friends may visit from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday, January 9, 2025, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday, January 10, 2025, at St. Henry’s Catholic Church, Belleville, IL.
Funeral: A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, January 10, 2025, at St. Henry’s Catholic Church, Belleville, IL, with Reverend Kenneth York officiating.
Burial will be at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Belleville, IL.
