Rev. Charles G. Renken, Jr., “Chuck”, 77, of Tilden Twp., Pa., died Saturday, March 1, 2014 in Lehigh Valley Hospital, Cedar Crest. He was the husband of Shirley A. (Eash) Renken. They were married on August 9, 1958 and celebrated 55 years of marriage.
He was pastor at Lanham, Md., Grace Brethren Church from 1999-2004. According to Paul Mutchler, current pastor of the Lanham church, Renken was a “godly man…loved the Lord and loved the Word. He had a great way of ending funerals, having spent 20 years serving the Lord in Venezuela, explaining the difference between ‘Adios’ and ‘Hasta Luego.’ ‘Adios’ means ‘to God’ and was commending someone to God…to a friend you do not expect to see again. ‘Hasta Luego’ means ‘until then’ and is spoken to a friend you expect to see again. Chuck always ended funerals of believers, and we do so with him, saying, ‘Hasta Luego.'”
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Chuck was the son of the late Charles G., Sr. and Grace V. (Hillquist) Renken. Chuck was a graduate of Brooklyn Tech and received a Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia International University. He was a pastor for 25 years, serving churches in New Jersey, Maryland, and most recently for the Hamburg Christian Community Church, until retiring in 2007. Chuck was a missionary to Venezuela for twenty years. His mission service was under the Evangelical Alliance Mission Team. He was a member of Grace Bible Church of Hawk Mountain, Orwigsburg, Pa. Chuck’s life was dedicated to serving His Savior and now he is in the Savior’s presence and has completed his life goal.
Surviving in addition to his wife is one son: C. Greg Renken, and wife Sandra, Orwigsburg, Pa.; two daughters: Shellyn R. Snowden, Baltimore, Md.; and Teresa J. Wall, and husband Sidney, Laurel, Md.; six grandchildren: Charles and Alexandra Renken; Benjamin and Cathryn Ganger; Samuel Ganger, and wife Amanda; and Brendon Renken; and one great-grandson: Kaedin Ganger. Chuck is also survived by one brother: David Renken, Hamburg, Pa.; and one sister: Beatrice Poultney, Elizabeth, N.J. He was predeceased by a sister: Audrey Davidow.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Bible Church of Hawk Mountain, 12 Molino Road, Orwigsburg, PA 17961. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the church at the above address, in memory of Chuck Renken.
Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., Hamburg is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences, click here.
