Renda, Thomas R. 1929-2012

RENDA, MEKUS, MALLOY, SCOTT, AMODEO, IRLBECK, WONG, SCOTT, FANGMAN, PASCUZZI

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 4/11/2024 at 16:52:38

Thomas R. Renda
March 06, 2012

Service
St. Anthony's Catholic Church
15 Indianola Road
Des Moines

Disposition
Cremation
Hamilton's Crematory
Private Burial of Cremated Remains at a later date

Obituary & Service
Messages
Thomas R. Renda, 82, passed away peacefully at home while surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, March 6, 2012. A funeral mass will be at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, March 10, 2012, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 2012, at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street, where a rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Cremation will follow the service with a private burial at a later date.

Tom was born May 8, 1929, in Des Moines, to Frank and Tona (Mekus) Renda. He graduated from Dowling Catholic High School and married Joann Malloy on December 30, 1949. Tom and Joann had five children and all were raised on the south side of Des Moines.

Tom was a hard-working man with a big heart and a great sense of humor; he was an amazing cook and had an enormous love and devotion to his family. His love of spending time with family is what he treasured the most, cherishing the special memories made at the many family gatherings that were held. Tom traveled the country in support of his children and grandchildren’s activities. He had a passion for good food, good wine, and good company.

He enjoyed the finer things in life, and held a great appreciation for cars and clothing. Tom was a perfectionist – his attention to detail was evidenced by everything that he accomplished throughout every aspect of his life. Whether it be from simple tasks such as cooking dinner to more extensive tasks such as building homes, his dedication and commitment were abundant. Tom was a self-made man - he always put family first and was selfless in every way. His confidence and honesty were inspiring to those around him, overshadowed only by the humbleness he portrayed right along with it. Tom stood up for what he believed in, and those values will proudly be carried on in the legacy he leaves behind.

For many years Tom and his wife, Joann, owned and operated the Dairy Queen on SW 9th Street, as well as built and owned several apartment complexes in the area. Tom and Joann loved traveling extensively in their motor home, visiting many places throughout the world. They especially enjoyed the fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas and the ocean front beaches.

Tom is survived by his children, Vicki (Dave) Scott of Des Moines, Sheri Amodeo of Des Moines, Tom (Carol) Renda of Pleasant Hill, and John Renda (Christi Irlbeck) of West Des Moines; daughter-in-law Larree Renda of Hillsborough, California; seven grandchildren: Jennifer (Tom) Wong of Des Moines, Nick Amodeo of Denver, Colorado, Tommy Renda, Kristina Renda and Tony Renda, all of Hillsborough, California, Alexis Scott of Des Moines, and Peter Renda of Des Moines; one great-granddaughter, Francesca Joann Wong of Des Moines; his sister, Dianne Fangman of Leander, Texas; his brother, Ray (Marlene) Renda of Montclair, California; numerous nieces and nephews; other loving relatives; and many special friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 60 years, Joann Renda; his son, Frank Renda; his parents, Frank and Tona Renda; his sister, Marianne Pascuzzi and his brother, Pete Renda.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in loving memory of Tom.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com ~ The Des Moines, Iowa Register 08 March 2012.