Claude W. Renninger, age 88, went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 12, 2021. He was born May 25, 1932 in Richfield, PA, a son of the late John S. And Sadie M. (Clotfelter) Renninger. He was a 1948 graduate of Freeburg High School, Freeburg, PA, and a graduate of Bloomsburg State Teacher's College, Thompson's School of Business, Harrisburg and obtained his Master's Degree from Bucknell University.
He held many positions throughout his life including: Sears Roebuck toy department, Bloomsburg, he owned a vending machine business, personal assistant to Bloomsburg State Teacher's College President, Harvey Andruss, high school wrestling referee, and the Bloomsburg Panther football game announcer. He worked with his brother at Renninger Lumber Co. in Mill Hall, co-owned Wash'n Shop with Leon Greenly, he was the typing teacher and principal of Bloomsburg Junior High School, and the Business Administrator and Superintendent of Bloomsburg School District.
Claude served as Mayor of Bloomsburg from 2006-2007, he was a member of Bloomsburg Town Council, Treasurer of Bloomsburg Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of Bloomsburg Municipal Authority, Board of Economic Alliance, he established Columbia County School employees credit union, leader of CPEN Ace dealer group and served on several other boards and committees including serving on finance committee, trustees and diaconate board at First English Baptist Church. He started his family business, Renco Ace Hardware in Bloomsburg in 1974 and was happy to be able to work side by side with his children and several grandchildren daily through February 11, 2021.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 68 years, Lola Mary (Laycock) Renninger on September 2, 2020, a daughter, Mary C. Karnes in 2006 and twin granddaughters, Hallie M. Penfield in 2010 and Hollie B. Guzman in 2016 as well as his siblings; Arthur D. Renninger, Monroe N. Renninger, Luella M. Kuhns, Helen L. Ferster and Delbert L. Renninger.
He is survived by his children; Donna F. (Joseph) Yachimowski, Bloomsburg, Douglas B. (Lisa) Renninger, Cleveland, OH, Gregory A. (Stacy) Renninger, Mifflinville, Julie A. (Ricky) Lown, Berwick, Melanie L. (Joseph) Crawford, Bloomsburg, Diane L. (Eric) Heier, Bloomsburg, Christopher J. (Shawna) Renninger, Nescopeck , son in law, William H. Karnes of Mifflinville. He was a wonderful grandpa "Pa" to 31 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. He was also a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.
A time of visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc., 745 Market at Eighth Streets, Bloomsburg.
Funeral services will begin on Saturday, February, 20, 2021 at 10:00 am at the Allen Funeral Home, Inc. with Rev. Dr. Lee Barnhardt, officiating. Graveside committal services will immediately follow in Elan Memorial Park, Lime Ridge. The Allen Funeral Home, Inc., is honored to be serving the Renninger family.
Memorial contributions in Claude's name are suggested to: First English Baptist Church, 700 Millville Road, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.