Maynard E. Renkly, 79

Arlington, S.D. Maynard Renkly, age 79, of rural Arlington, South Dakota, passed away Friday, Nov. 27, 2015 in Weslaco, Texas. Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 5 at Trinity Lutheran Church, in Arlington.

Maynard Everett Renkly was born July 25, 1936 in Blue Earth to Albert and Alta (Ehrich) Renkly. He was the third of nine children. Maynard grew up on the family farm outside of Blue Earth, where he came to know that he would always be a farmer. He attended country school near his home, transitioned to Blue Earth High School, and graduated from the University of Minnesota’s School of Agriculture at Waseca in 1955.

Maynard was united in marriage to Anne Gnadke on March 11, 1956 in Good Thunder. Together they moved to their farm in Brookings County in 1957 and grew their family alongside their crops. Maynard was truly engaged in farming his entire life. He was also a seed corn dealer for over 20 years.

Maynard loved the land and spending time outdoors. Hunting and fishing were his lifelong hobbies, along with enjoying country music. In retirement, Maynard and Anne traveled the United States and divided time between their farm and their home in Donna, Texas.

Maynard served in the Army Reserves and was a member of the American Legion and Trinity Lutheran Church of Arlington.

He is survived by his wife, Anne, of 59 years and their children, sons, Keith (Shirley) Renkly, of rural Bruce, South Dakota, Scott (Linda) Renkly, of Ranchester, Wyoming, and Doug (Mary) Renkly, of Harlan, Iowa; daughter, Pam (Elwood) Moore, of Pierre, South Dakota; five grandchildren; brothers, Richard, Harold, Darold, and Roger Renkly; sisters, Violet Mensing, Marion DeLeon, Elaine Alderink, and Alice Kuchenbecker.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two nephews, a niece, a sister-in-law, and three brothers-in-law.