Donald Eugene Rench

With aching hearts we announce the passing of Donald Eugene Rench, 95, of Greenville, Illinois on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at Highland Healthcare Center in Highland Illinois.

Born January 30 th , 1929, in Mulberry Grove, Illinois to Lowell and Farold (Edwards) Rench, Don
was raised in this close-knit community. He grew up local and was a graduate of Mulberry Grove High School before being drafted into the United States Army in 1950. Serving in the Korean War, he was bravely tasked with rescuing his wounded warriors from the battlefield. On his 11th day of action, he himself was wounded, sustaining injuries that led him to endure 22 agonizing months at Percy Hospital, located in Battle Creek Michigan, where he underwent several operations, leaving him 80 percent disabled. Despite obstacles during his recovery and beyond, Don’s indomitable spirit never wavered.

After returning home, he worked for Petroleum Gas Company and there he met and fell in love with a secretary named Delores Ann Stewart. They embarked on their first date on New Years Eve and were married November 28, 1953, in Pocahontas, Illinois and as they say, ‘the rest is history’. It was the beginning of a love story that has lasted 71 blessed years. He was a devoted and faithful husband, a thoughtful father, and a steady source of strength and support to his family. A multitalented individual, Don had a gift for craftsmanship, once constructing a garage for his mother-in-law with care and precision. He often found joy in farming alongside his father,
tending to the garden, in the simplicity of camping. Among his fondest memories were the scenic bus tours he enjoyed with Delores, relishing the beauty of the journey and the joy of their time together.

He is preceded by his parents, Lowell & Farold; and sister, Janice Bilderback.

Don is survived by his wife, Delores; son, LeRoy (Warner Robins) Rench of Georgia; daughter, Norma (Craig) Cantwell of Fairview Heights, Illinois; grandchildren, Rebecca, Aaron, Dustin and Donnie Rench, Christy (Corey) Farthing, Brent and Brian Lallish; and seven great- grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 am -12:00 pm, Monday, December 23, 2024, at Assalley Funeral Home 118 E. College Ave, Greenville, Illinois 62246.
 

The funeral will be held at 12:00 pm, Monday, December 23, 2024, following the visitation, at Assalley Funeral home in Greenville Illinois, with Rev. Nancy Wilson and Dr. Ward Sussenbach officiating.
 
Burial will follow the funeral service and will be at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Idler Lane, Greenville, Illinois

The family has entrusted Assalley Funeral Home in Greenville with the ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the
family.