Following WW I , George Renner, Sr., graduated
from mortuary school and was employed at local funeral homes.
In 1929, he and Mr. Otto Schneider established the Renner-Schneider
Funeral Home at 105 North Illinois Street. After several years
of business, this partnership dissolved.
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In 1934, George Renner Sr., co-founded Renner,
Geminn, & Bergman Funeral Home at 120 North Illinois Street,
Belleville, IL. Later, George Renner Sr., became the sole owner. |
| George and Mary Renner had six sons, George Jr., David, John,
Joseph, Thomas, and James, who joined the firm shortly after
WWII. All were licensed funeral directors and four were also
licensed embalmers. From the 1940’s to the early 1970’s,
the funeral home also operated an ambulance service. In the
1940’s, the firm acquired the Meng-Sintzel Funeral Home
in Freeburg, IL and built a third location in Smithton, IL.
George Sr., David Sr., John, and Joseph Renner are now deceased.
George, Thomas, and James, while retired, can regularly be seen at
the funeral home visiting with many friends and acquaintances. |
Standing (L to R)
Joe, George II, George Sr., Dave, John
Seated (L to R) Jim Sr., Tom
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Standing (L to R) Dave Jr., Michael,
Jim Jr.
Seated (L to R) Bill, George III, Carl
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Today, the third generation of Renners own and operate the firm.
They are George III, James Jr., Michael, William, David Jr.,
and Carl. All six members of the third generation are licensed
funeral directors and embalmers. They were all born and raised
in Belleville or Freeburg and are active in community, church,
and civic affairs. |
| In 1996, Josie Renner Schwab and Jill Renner Breunig joined
our staff as prearrangement counselors. Josie and Jill are available
to meet with families either in their homes or at the funeral
home. They have helped many families record their wishes and
provide for their funerals before the need arises. |
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