Delvin Walter Renz

Delvin (Del) Renz was born January 19, 1931 in Alma, NE. He died August 15, 2026 while at St Anthony’s hospital, Lakewood CO. His 95+ years on this earth was full of adventure, travel, family, work and many friendships.

Del graduated from St Francis (KS) Community High School in 1949, and enlisted in the US Air Force in July 1951. His active duty lasted until July 1955. He continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve until 1959. During his time in service, he was trained to be an Aircraft and Powerplant Mechanic at Sheppard Air Force Base, Wichita Falls, TX. Del also became an instructor at the school, and was transferred to Amarillo, TX where he was promoted to Staff Sergeant. In addition to active service, he became a member of the Colorado Air National Guard in 1964, again as an Aircraft Mechanic.

Del married Naomi Leibbrandt in June 1951. To this union two children were born; Cathy Lynn in 1957 and Richard Benjamin in 1966.

Evelyn (Evie) Miller became Del’s wife in March 1975. Her children Evette Coe born 1950 and Douglas Kent born 1953, were an important part of Del’s life.

There are 6 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren who blessed Del and Evie’s lives.

Del’s career in civilian life included several years with Martin Marietta Company, working in various cities on the Titan missile programs. His work at Buckley Air Force Base included both aircraft mechanics on F-100 fighter jets as well auto mechanics at the motor pool and on heavy equipment. The remainder of Del’s career was in aircraft maintenance and management for commercial airlines including Frontier, TWA, United and Northwest Airlines. Del retired in 1997.

One of Del’s greatest pleasures in life was fishing. He travelled throughout the US, often on his own boat or occasionally travelling with a guide. In the past few years Del formed a close friendship with Tom Stenson, who shared the love of fishing. They travelled to several lakes in Colorado in pursuit of trout and kokanee salmon. In 2024, Del and his son Rick went on a fishing trip to Lake McConaughy, NE where Del was able to land a 27-inch walleye, earning him a Master Angler Award for largest fish caught in the month of June. He was very proud of this accomplishment.

Del was known to many as the “cookie, cake and pie man”, baking goodies for his many friends while living at the Concordia community. He also enjoyed the weekly poker games, social activities and outings the community provided. His last 8 months he lived at Courtyard Lakewood, where he made new friendships and enjoyed good conversation.

Del was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth, father Walter, brother Dennis and wife Evelyn. He is survived by children, Cathy, Rick, Yvette and Doug. Grandchildren, Jennifer, Zach, Kim, Eric, Victoria and Connor, and great grandchildren, Hudson, Charlotte, Rachel, Dustin, Bailey, James Connor Junior, Autumn and Ellie.