Obituary: Gary J. Renard

June 10, 1948 – Feb. 26, 2022

Gary J. Renard, 73, died peacefully with his family by his side. He was born in Namur to Howard and Angela (Bouche) Renard. Gary graduated from Southern Door High School in 1966 and purchased Renard’s Cloverleaf Dairy the same year. On Aug. 19, 1967, he married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Vandertie.

Gary’s passion was for his business and cheesemaking, and he was a lifetime member of the Eastern Wisconsin Cheesemakers and Buttermakers Association. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and family, playing cards and entertaining with family and friends. 

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Bonnie; son, Chris (Ann) Renard, and their daughters, Samantha, Gabrielle, Taylor, and Carrie; daughter Cathy Jo (Joe) Albert, and their sons, Noah, and Vinny; father, Howard Renard; brothers Joe (Judi) Renard, Brian (Tina) Renard, Paul (Cindy) Renard, John (Desray) Renard; a sister, Mary (Neal) Bessett; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his mother; daughter Carrie Renard; brother Robert Renard; in-laws, Lawrence and Alma Vandertie.

A funeral service will be held Friday, March 4, 11 am, at St. Francis and St. Mary’s Parish in Brussels, with Rev. Edward Looney officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, March 3, 3-7 pm, at Forbes Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay, with a prayer service at 6:30 pm; and it will continue March 4, 10-11 am, at the church. Entombment will be in the Shrine of Good Shepherd Mausoleum. 

A tribute page is available at forbesfuneralhome.com.