Alan William Renner, born on June 3, 1941, in St. Louis, MO, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2023. Alan’s childhood was spent in Olivette, with his parents Herbert Charles and Wilhelmina Frances (nee Ennert), older sister Virginia Ann, and younger sister Carol Claire.

The Renner family enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, like Sunday dinners with extended family and Fourth of July celebrations – Alan’s favorite. When asked what the most mischievous thing was he did as a child, Alan replied, “too numerous to mention!”

After leaving Ladue High School his junior year where he sang tenor in choir and played soccer, Alan worked at the family business – Ennert Bros. Greenhouses – with his parents, his Aunt Elfrieda, and his Uncles Henry and Bill. It was here where he honed his skills as a horticulturist growing carnations, poinsettias, and award-winning African violets. In 1974, he began a 30-year career as the head gardener at St. Louis Country Club. Alan was a member of the American Carnation Society, American Association of Florists, Allied Florists, and the Greater St. Louis Flower Growers Association.

In 1958, Alan met the love of his life, Elsie Carolin Reinwald, at the drive-in where she worked. They married in 1961 and together raised four children: Alan (Debbie) Renner, Jill (Daniel) Triska, Julia (Dale) Jaster, and Charles (Tami) Renner. The family found joy in traveling, fishing, and gardening. Alan’s philosophy in life was to “enjoy oneself as much as possible without causing problems for others.” He valued hard work, honesty, and impressed upon his family the importance of reading. 

His enduring advice to his children, grandchildren, Heather (Steven) McLaughlin, Megan (Matthew) Roberts, Katherine (Benjamin) Huffman, Lindsey Renner, Aisling Renner, and William Renner, and great-grandchildren, Ronan, Easton, and Oliver, was simple yet profound: “Think for yourself. Be honest. Be optimistic. Be yourself.”

Alan leaves behind a legacy of hard work and a deep love for family. He will be remembered for his love of fly fishing and reading, his passion for history, watching fireworks on the Fourth of July, and most importantly, for being a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

In remembrance of Alan's life, his family asks that any charitable donations be made to the Visiting Nurse Association of Greater St. Louis or the Missouri Department of Conservation.

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