Leslie John Rens age 87 of Baldwin died peacefully on Saturday January 21, 2012 at the Baldwin Care Center where he was lovingly cared for by Baldwin Care Center staff and Adoray Hospice in his final days before entering eternal life with his heavenly father. ‘Les’ was born on August 23, 1924 in Baldwin; the son of John Henry and Alma Laura (Holtman) Rens. He attended the Baldwin Christian School and was a lifelong member of the Christian Reformed Church where his greatest joy was to hear the word of God proclaimed and sing the songs of faith. Les started working as a farm hand right out of school. On April 17, 1946 he was united in marriage to Hazel Bol. This marriage was blessed with four children. He took over the family farm and worked there until his retirement from farming in 1968 because of the illness of his wife. They then moved into Baldwin where he became a night custodian at the high school for a few years until he was forced to retire due to rheumatoid arthritis. Later in life he developed the gift of woodworking through the help of the Easter Seal society. Many family, friends & neighbors have in their homes some of the pieces he has handcrafted. The last few years he worked for the village at the landfill. Les loved to fish especially night crappie fishing on Bear Trap or Wapogasset. Strawberry picking was a great delight to Les, and he loved sharing them with family & friends. The last few years Les enjoyed going to the nursing home to have coffee & chat with the residents & he also helped with bingo. Les was a simple and humble man who was always guided by his Savior Jesus Christ. Matthew 25:23 would be fitting; “Well done good and faithful servant!”
Les will remain in the hearts of his children James (Linda) Rens and Carolyn Joy Rens of Baldwin, grandchildren Steve (Carrie) Rens, Dawn (Stefan) Roose, Laura (Jeff) Kennett, Timothy (Gina) Rens, and Daniel (Sharlene) Rens, 14 great grandchildren, and sisters; Rozella Fern, and Violet Gordon and numerous extended family members. He is preceded in death by his wife Hazel, infant sons David John & John Henry, siblings Lester Rens, Alvin Rens, Rena Sandfort, Peter VanSomeren, James VanSomeren & Earl VanSomeren.
Funeral service for Les will be 11AM Wednesday January 25 at Christian Reformed Church with Pastor Anson Veenstra officiating. Burial will be in the Baldwin Cemetery at 9:45AM prior to the service with casketbearers being Steve Rens, Tim Rens, Dan Rens, Jeff Kennett, Stefan Roose, and Brett Holle. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4 until 7Pm at the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Baldwin as well as one hour of fellowship prior to the service at church Wednesday morning. Memorials are preferred. Unspecified memorials will be given to Adoray Hospice, Baldwin Care Center and the CRC missions efforts