Rena Lee (Chase) Van Pelt, 93 of Omaha, NE formerly of Glenwood, IA entered into rest on May 28, 2014 at Brighton Gardens in Omaha. She was born Nov. 28, 1920 in Shenandoah, IA. Following high school, Rena attended two years of business school. She was united in marriage to Donald Ellison “Van” Van Pelt on Dec. 27, 1940. To this union three children were born, John, Annette & Mark.
Rena was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Eastern Star, & P.E.O. Chapter FI. She & Van ran The Boys Camp out on their ranch in 1970-71 & boarded many horses. She worked along side her husband in all of his business endeavors & kept track of the accounting for each entity. Rena was an animal lover who adored her cats & dogs. She was not opposed to nurturing newborn animals in her home. Rena was an enthusiastic bridge player, which continued throughout her life. Although she worked hard, Rena was a true woman of grace & dignity.
Preceding Rena in death were her parents, husband & sister, Pat Chase Luellen. Survivors include children, John Van Pelt of Sulpher Springs, TX; Annette (Ron) Volberding of Omaha, NE; Mark (Tracy) Van Pelt of Omaha, NE; 10 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Audrey Van Pelt of Omaha, NE; extended relatives & many friends.
Interment will be held in the Glenwood Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Glenwood Public Library.
Visitation:Wednesday, June 4, 2014
1:00 PM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534
Service:Wednesday, June 4, 2014
2:00 PM
212 S. Locust St.
Glenwood, IA51534
5 Condolences
IMy condolences to John, Annette, Mark and all the extended family members upon learning of Rena’s passing. Rena and Van were such wonderful people to our families and such vibrant, caring folks to the entire Glenwood, and larger Omaha, communities. Both your parents always carried a magic sparkle in their eyes evincing their generosity.
From the many parent evening bridge meetings to the idyllic summers at the Van Pelt Ranch, your parents were the role models that we still aspire to be.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bob Graham
Cambridge, MA
Dear Annette, Mark, John, and families,
I was extremely saddened to hear of Rena’s passing. I thoroughly loved your mother and grandmother. When I returned from Florida for Homecomings, I always searched for her at the Masonic Temple or near the library. She always welcomed me with a sincere smile and warm hug – I looked forwarded to our visits. I am so grateful for our parents’ lifelong friendship – another enviable trait of those of “the greatest generation”. Rena and Van & Marilyn and Bob were loyal and appreciative friends – whether visiting together on Hazel Street, the Van Pelt Ranch, or 1 am phone calls, their friendship was a happy and important facet of each of their lives. I find solace in knowing the Van Pelts, Graham’s, Benton’s, Reid’s, and others in the “parent bridge clubs” of my childhood are enjoying eternity together again.
Peace to all of you.
Arlene Graham Sparks, and son, Andrew
John, Annette, Mark and children, Pete and I want you to know just how much it grieves us to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was indeed a fine lady and a great caring and wonderful person who will be missed by many. Just remember that she is now again with her beloved Van and all her many friends she has enjoyed over the years. Our lives were much enriched having known her.
Sincerely,
Pete and Susie Swihart
John, sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. From all I have heard she had a long and wonderful life. Thought and prayers are with you and you whole family.
We are sorry to hear of Rena’s passing. She and your father were such special people in many people’s lives. Our parents, Tom and Micki, recounted many fond memories of times together with Van and Rena while Mike and I were growing up.
We were lucky to come to tne Van Pelt Ranch for a mini family reunion. Having life long friends like your parents was the reason our folks decided to return to Glenwood.
Thank you all for the frienship extended to Mike and I. It was so thoughtful to help us connect Micki and Rena especially at Homecoming Weekends.
Suzy Benton Davis and Mike Benton
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