Erwin J. Renth

Erwin J. Renth, 96, of Mascoutah, IL, born June 1, 1912 in Mascoutah Township, IL, died Friday, June 6, 2008 at the Grange Nursing Home in Mascoutah, IL.


In 1937 Erwin began his automobile career with J. D. Moellman. In 1942 he worked as a propeller mechanic at Scott AFB, and in 1947 he became a sales manager at Oliver C. Joseph in Belleville, IL. He started his own dealership, Erwin J. Renth Motors, in Mascoutah in 1955 which he owned and operated until his retirement in 1992. He was a member of St. John United Church of Christ in Mascoutah, St. John Brotherhood, served on the church council and various church committees and a former member of the Mascoutah Shcool District 19 School Board. He is a member of Douglas Lodge #361 AF & AM in Mascoutah, Ainad Temple, East St. Louis, IL, Mascoutah Evening Lions Club, and the first treasurer of the Espenschied Chapel Committee, Mascoutah, IL.


Erwin was preceded in death by his wife, Olive, nee Angell, Renth whom he married in Mascoutah, IL in Sept. 18, 1940, and who died Nov. 12, 1982; his parents, John Fred and Bertha C., nee Blum, Renth, and a brother, Raymond G. Renth.


He is survived by a son, Myron F. (Evelyn) Renth of Mascoutah, a daughter, Sandra J. (Bobby Lee) Frerking of Belleville, IL; four grandchildren, Andrew J. Renth, Richard A. (Laura) Renth, Susan R. Renth and Deanna M. Frerking; a great granddaughter, Madelyn C. Renth; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.


Memorials may be made to St. John United Church of Christ, Mascoutah, IL, or to Shriner’s Hospital.


Visitation: Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p. m. Sunday, June 8, 2008 at the Moll Funeral Home in Mascoutah, IL, and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, June 9, 2008 at St. John United Church of Christ in Mascoutah, IL. A Masonic service will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home.


Funeral: Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday, June 9, 2008 at St. John United Church of Christ in Mascoutah, IL with the Rev. Hugh Fitz officiating. Interment will be in Mascoutah City Cemetery, Mascoutah, IL.