Renee Catherine Walz, 91, Rockville

December 12, 1924 - June 12, 2016

Renee Catherine Walz passed peacefully in the arms of the Lord on June 12, 2016 at the age of 91 years 6 months, after suffering a recent fall, a stroke and related complications. Her life was one well lived. Renee was never one to complain, always putting the concerns of others before her own. She reveled in her devotion to Christ, her love of family and friends, and selflessly doing and caring for others.

She was born Renee Catherine Hennen on December 12, 1924, the daughter of Al and Elizabeth (Jacoby) Hennen of Rockville, MN. She grew up on the family farm near Rockville and often talked of a childhood spent in a loving home doing the daily chores, playing with her sisters and brothers, and on occasion taking a horse driven sleigh to church in the winter months.

She was united to marriage to the love her life, Leo Edwin Walz, on February 13th, 1947. In December of 1960, Leo and Renee adopted a son, Robert and in March of 1962, they adopted a daughter, Judith. Renee was the consummate farm wife and homemaker, helping Leo on the farm, tending to the garden and, most lovingly, being a wonderful Mom to Bob and Judy. Her home was always a welcome place for her children’s friends. Renee became “Mom” to them all, and loved them like they were her own. She was famous for serving homemade cookies, cake, pies or pizza, whether the gathering of kids requested them or not.

She enjoyed listening to music, dancing, playing cards; especially 500 and Canasta, jigsaw puzzles, word find puzzles, reading, cooking, baking and walking barefoot in the grass. She always seemed to be singing as she did her daily chores or while preparing meals for her family or those gathered for a celebration or holiday. Although Renee was unable to have flowers in her home due to allergies, she always loved having them in her yard and garden. Peonies, Petunias and Marigolds were favorites. Leo and Renee moved to Assumption Court Apartments in Cold Spring, MN in 1999.

She relished her role as Grandmother to granddaughters, Karlee Olson, Ellie Walz, Morgan and Leah Welker, and as Great-grandmother to Henry Olson, born in November of 2015.

Several months after Leo’s passing in 2003, Renee was diagnosed with breast cancer. She went on to defeat that dread disease, only to be diagnosed with lymphoma a year later. The strong woman of good German stock that she was, she also defeated that nefarious foe.

In the years to follow, Renee found new life in serving the Assumption Court and Assumption Home residents by taking meals or mail to friends and neighbors, or just paying a pleasant visit to friends old and new. Renee was a devout Catholic throughout her life and joyfully volunteered at the Assumption Chapel; opening the doors for daily mass, attending to the Blessed Sacrament and participating in the daily Rosary services. She was well known around the Assumption Community for giving big hugs to all she encountered and was so very delighted to get them in return. Her love of music was a constant companion, with the radio tuned to KASM for her beloved Polkas and Waltzes. She also loved to listen to the wonderful musicians who played Sunday afternoons at the Assumption Home, especially Max & Deb and Al Brisse. We can’t thank you enough for the joy you brought to her life.

Renee always saw, and honestly believed in, the good in everyone and would greet all with a bright smile and a loving embrace. But she wasn’t one to suffer fools and would voice her consternation by crossing her legs, pulling her sweater closed quickly and tightly with both arms and sternly declaring; “Piffle”! We never knew the meaning of the word, but the intent was more than clear.

Renee is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Melanie Walz, daughter and son-in-law, Judy and Kurt Welker; granddaughters, Karlee (Ryan) Olson, Ellie Walz, Morgan Welker, Leah Welker and great-grandson, Henry Olson. Sisters and brothers, Delrose Hondl, Marilyn (Othmar) Schmitz, Oliver Hennen and Louis Hennen; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Ernie Stumpf, and Ervin and Rosie Schwalich, as well as a legion of beloved nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Leo on September 18, 2003; sister, Sister Mary Pius; sisters-in-law, Marie Stumpf, Florine Young and Verena Hennen; brothers-in-law, Peter Becker, Elmer Walz, Matt Hondl and Harold Young; nephews, Tommy Schwalich, Lee Ferrell, Vernon Schmitz, Lloyd Abfalter and Daryl Schmitz; special niece Doris Ethan and many other relatives and friends.

Renee’s family would like to thank everyone who visited or sent cards to Renee during her time in the nursing home. We also recognize the wonderful residents at the Assumption Community for their friendship and kindness. We also commend the dedicated staffs at Assumption Court and Assumption Home for the gentle loving care they provided Renee throughout the years. A special “Thank You” to Father Julius for his spiritual care in Renee’s last days. Renee truly loved you all.