Florence Rentmeester
Florence Rentmeester, 89, passed away Saturday, April 27, 2019. Florence was the eldest of five children of Ben and Evelyn (Stordeur) Huben. She was born April 5, 1930, in Howard. Her dad said she looked like a “Doll” and that nickname followed Florence among her Huben relatives for the remainder of her life. She attended Townline School and graduated from Green Bay West High School in 1948. Florence married Harol Rentmeester on February 18, 1950. They enjoyed over 59 years of marriage before Harold’s death in 2009.
In 1968, Florence and Harold bought Beverly Gardens which they owned and operated for 31 years retiring in 2000. Over the three decades at Beverly Gardens, Florence and her cherished kitchen staff took great pride serving delicious roast chicken dinners to tens of thousands of guests attending weddings, banquets, anniversaries, holiday celebrations, and funeral dinners. Florence was a gifted baker and was particularly proud of her assortment of desserts for guests. Her carrot cake, poppy seed torte, and kringles were enjoyed at all of our family events. In earlier years her hobbies included sewing, crocheting, and collecting cookbooks. She was notorious for her “visiting” skills whether it was lengthy telephone calls or impromptu conversations with friends in the aisles of local stores. It was difficult for Florence’s family to see her activity level and conversation ability diminish over the last years as her Alzheimer’s Disease progressed.
Survivors include two sons and a daughter: Michael (Arlene) Rentmeester, Daniel (Susan) Rentmeester, and Mary (Kelly) Miller; six grandchildren: Molly (Kelly Raleigh Moses) Delsart, Mark (Jennifer) Rentmeester, Jessica (Wade) Schmechel, Justin “J” (Amber) Rentmeester, Jennifer (Jacob Sevin) Miller, and Sam (Kate) Miller; and fourteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Marian VanEnkevort; a brother-in-law George Ambrosius; and Harold’s sister-in-law, Marge Boehm. She is further survived by nieces and nephews; and special cousins, Patrick Stordeur, Delores Cumps, and Betty Lou Ambrosius.
Florence was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Doris Ambrosius and Patricia Knaus; her brother, Robert Huben; a brother-in-law, Clayton VanEnkevort; a former brother-in-law, Merle Knaus; and Harold’s siblings and their spouses.
Family and friends may call at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 3425 Willow Rd, Green Bay, on Friday, May 3, 2019 from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 4:00 p.m. Friday at the church with the Rev. Robert Rhyner officiating.
In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, please consider a donation to Prince of Peace Catholic Church or Unity Hospice in Florence’s name.
The family would like to thank Kari Lykins for her loving care and companionship over the years; the staff and friends at The Bellevue Retirement Community for their kindness; the compassionate staff at Artisan Senior Living for their wonderful care and support at the end of Florence’s journey; and the dedicated servants of Unity Hospice.
“Death has taken your body. God has taken your soul. Our mind holds the memories. Our heart keeps the love. Our faith lets us know we will meet again.”