James L. "Jim" Van Renan

James L. “Jim” Van Renan, age 90 of Nebraska City, NE was called home on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Nebraska City.

James Leland Van Renan was born on July 1, 1934 in Bartlett, IA; the son of Eldon Leland and Ruth Rose (Hill) Van Renan.  He grew up and attended school in Bartlett where he graduated with the Class of 1951. 

On October 24, 1953, Jim was united in marriage to Helen Ruby Gragg in Tabor, IA and to this union two sons were born:  James Kevin and Jeffrey Leland.  In 1962, they moved from Barlett to Nebraska City where Jim worked for American Meter.  He worked in Production and Inventory Control until his retirement in 1996 after 36 years of faithful service.  Over those 36 years many fellow workers touched his life, and he touched many of their lives.

Jim was very active in the Nebraska City Community where he worked for the Nebraska City Rescue Squad for some 10 years and sang with the Nebraska City Apple Corps Barbershop Chorus.  He was a member of the First Christian Church, where he served and helped in various capacities.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Helen Van Renan of Nebr. City, NE; children:  Kevin Van Renan (Rebecca Ann) of Spotsylvania, VA and Jeff Van Renan (Miki) of Percival, IA; five grandchildren:  Jennifer Nicole Van Renan, Amy Marie Dortch (Randy), Kimberly Jane Stikeleather (Zac), Sara Jean Roberts and Dusty Jay Van Renan (Anna), 13 great-grandchildren:  Wyatt, Brexton, Brinnley, Ely, Eisley, Eivie, Eva, Gavyn, Rose, Ellie, Isla, Lane and Cora and one great-great grandchild:  Ebe; one sister Ruth Brittain of Plattsmouth, NE; other family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters:  Joann Poort and Carolyn Givens.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 at Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City with Pastor Terry Weible officiating (fellow former American Meter colleague).  Burial will follow at Wyuka Cemetery in Nebr. City.

The family will greet friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday (6/16) at the mortuary.

Memorials may be given to the First Christian Church in Nebr. City.

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