On September 11, 2023, Renata “Renny” Spitzner died peacefully in her sleep. At 100.5 years old, Renny’s long active life and outgoing personality afforded her the opportunity to touch the lives and hearts of so many.
Renata “Renny” Bieber grew up on a farm in Java, South Dakota, 100 years ago! She was just sixteen when she graduated from Bowdle High School in 1939. She went on to Business School, but with the outbreak of World War II...she joined the Navy WAVES and proudly served our country. She met Charles “Bud” Spitzner, also in the Navy and they married on October 13, 1945. Renny lived life beyond the fullest! She always had a sense of adventure and enjoyed being busy. In addition to being a loving wife and wonderful mother, Renny had lots of hobbies. They included yardwork, sewing, needlepoint, reading, puzzling, journaling, traveling, camping, and many more. She also volunteered over the years in every capacity imaginable...she was Room Mother, Band Mom, Sports Booster, PTA Member, Sunday School Teacher, Cub Scout Den Mother, Brownie/Girl Scout Leader, Chaperone, Church Ladies Activities, Fleet Reserve Association, Red Cross, VA Hospital, and often helping someone just as a good neighbor or a caring friend.
During Bud’s Navy years, the family had to travel and live in various places. Renny and Bud bought property in Green Cove Springs, so in 1965, they built their home there and settled into the small-town community life. Renny loved her home and her life living in the country. She spent more time outdoors (planting, weeding, mowing, clearing, animal care, etc.) than indoors because it made her happy.
After raising their children, Renny and Bud traveled around the United States together for 25+ years. They visited family, old Navy friends, and made new friends. They were part of Good Sam Campers and a HAM Radio Club. Renny frequently rode her bicycle around campgrounds and participated in social events. It was often said that she never met a stranger.
Renny and Bud adored their grandchildren and spent as much time as they could with them. This included everything...babysitting, birthdays, ball games, awards ceremonies, performances, vacations, graduations, and weddings. They rarely missed opportunities to participate in special family events. Steamed crab feasts were the ultimate in Spitzner family celebrations and Renny was the cook behind the concoction that made them so delicious!
When Bud died in 2003, Renny continued to stay active. She traveled, volunteered, and even accepted offers for canoeing and hiking adventures. At 90, Renny and her granddaughters celebrated her birthday by going skydiving! This was a newsworthy event that she was quite proud of accomplishing!
Renny is preceded in death by her husband, Bud and her eldest son, Chuck. Renny is survived by her children Marty Spitzner (Louanne) of Parker, Colorado, Kathi Delp of Ingleside, Texas, and Daughter-in Law Karan Newman of Putnam-Hall. She is survived by six grandchildren, Courtney, Jarrett (Kayla), Bailey (Brandon), Jordan, Kia, Grady (Danielle), and one great- granddaughter, Scarlett.
Burial arrangements have not yet been determined at this time. The family encourages anyone who wishes to honor Renny with a heartfelt donation, to please consider sending it to the Ladies Auxiliary of Fleet Reserve Branch 126 (7673 Blanding Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32244) - OR - Assisted Living at Greenoak Villa (1201 NW 39th Avenue Gainesville, FL 32609).
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