Eugene Rennels

A. Eugene "Gene" Rennels, age 80, long-time resident of West Chicago, passed away Thursday, May 3, 2012. He was born on August 20, 1931 in Charleston, IL to Lucille (nee Warman) and Alfred Rennels and raised by Lucille and Frank Rumple. Gene served in the US Navy during the Korean War and then the US Army. He was very active in his community and church. Gene attended St. Andrew Lutheran Church since 1961 serving on the Church council, member of the choir, Sunday school teacher and superintendent, lector and assisting minister and was Congregational Vice-President. He served on various committees which included being a delegate to numerous LCA Illinois Synod Conventions and a delegate to the 10th Biennial Convention of the Lutheran Church in America.


Gene was a member of the Board of Education District 33 for 7 years, Alderman of the Second Ward in West Chicago, City Treasurer for 2 years and longest serving Mayor of West Chicago for 12 years. He served as member and officer of the DuPage County Regional Planning Commission for over a decade, member and chair of the DuPage County Community Development Committee for many years, member and president DuKane Valley Council, former member and president of the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, former member Vice-President and Sergeant-at-Arms of the Illinois Municipal League. Gene was member and Chair of the Board of Commissioners for the West Chicago Fire Protection District, Past Commander and Finance Officer of the West Chicago American Legion Post 300, former member of Moose Lodge 400, member of West Chicago and Aurora Rotary and former member and President of West Chicago Cable Communications Foundation.


Gene is survived by his wife Carole "Carrie" Rennels, sons, Michael E., Timothy B. (Amy), Scott A. (Deborah) and Todd (Ron Merriott) Rennels; grandchildren, Jeremy Rennels, Kelly (David John II) Henderson, Trevor and Brianna Rennels, and one great-grandson David John Henderson III; brothers James M. (Mary Alice) Rennels and Richard A. (Vivian) Rumple and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.


Visitation Friday, May 11, 2012 from 4 to 9 pm and Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 9 until time of service at 10 am at St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Rd., West Chicago. Reverend John Dumke officiating. Interment Glen Oak Cemetery in West Chicago. Contributions in Gene's memory may be to St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 155 N. Prince Crossing Rd, West Chicago, IL 60185. Arrangements by Norris-Walen-Segert Funeral Home. For information, 630-231-0060 or www.norriswalensegertfh.com