Rene Leon Svenstad

Rene L Svenstad, 91, formerly of Coon Rapids, ran to his Jesus from his home at Oakview Assisted Living, Moose Lake, MN, on March 20,2024. He was met there by his beloved wife, Lois (nee Rein), his parents Clarence and Edna (nee Oesterich), his infant sister and brother Homer, his son-in-law Emilo Piacenza, his great grandsons Levi Malone and Damian Bennett. Left here to carry on his legacy are Shelly Eldridge Samuel (Chris Samuel), Micki Malone (Tim), Lynn Piacenza, grandchildren Jamie Simko (Jean), Jake Malone, Rachel Bennett (Chris), Bekah Swanson (Brandon), Libby Malone, many great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, foster kids and friends. Our sincere thanks for the loving care from the Oakview Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice team that walked with us through the final journey this side of heaven. Memorial Service to be held on Sunday, March 24, 2024 at the Washburn-McReavy Hillside Chapel 2610-19th Av. NE, Mpls, MN. Visitation at 1:00 PM; Service at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials requested to Hope Academy. Mpls ( 2300 Chicago Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55404 https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E343511&id=53 )or the Damian Francis Scholarship Fund Queen of Peace School, Cloquet (102 4th Street, Cloquet MN 55720 https://queenofpeaceschool.org/school-fundraisers/). The burial will be held on Monday, March 25. Rene Leon Svenstad was born, July 7, 1932 in St. Paul, Minnesota to his parents Clarence and Edna. Prior to Rene they had two infant children, a daughter and son they named Homer, both who passed away shortly after birth. Rene's life was a gift from God from the beginning. Edna passed away when Rene was 4 and Clarence raised him with help from a nanny. Rene was baptized at St. Lukes Lutheran Church in 1932 and confirmed on May 19, 1946. After he met Lois they attended her church, Oliver Presbyterian, in Minneapolis. They both sang in the choir and worked with the youth group until their girls got older when they found Coon Rapids Evangelical Free Church (CREF) to call home. Rene was an active member of CREF where he spent many years serving as an usher, bus drive for the youth group, sang in the choir and CREF Men Quartet, was on the deacon board and as the elder. Rene continued singing in the choir at Trinity Baptist Church where they found a new church home for the 20 years they were retired in Mesa, AZ. Rene graduated from Minneapolis Vocational High School in 1950 from the printing program and it seems he was in the Dance Club. He enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952. He served during the Korean Conflict and was stationed on a ship at the Navel base in Japan and San Diego CA. He was honorably discharged in 1956 at the rank of Chief Petty Officer. Rene worked as a printing press operator and type setter for most of his career and retired from Brown and Bigalow in 1997. He met Lois Rein through his cousin Garth. They were married on July 12, 1955 at Oliver Presbyterian Church. They renewed their vows at their 50th wedding anniversary celebration and were married for 63 years before his soulmate Lois passed away unexpectedly on May 19, 2019. Rene and Lois had 3 daughters, Shelly, Micki and Lynn. They also, after not being able to go to the mission field, decided to foster long term teens through Anoka County. They fostered kids for 25 years, treating and loving them as if they were their own kids. Rene said that after Lynn graduated from high school, he was done raising his kids and done raising others kids too. After retirement he and Lois set out to travel the country. They eventually ended up as "Snowbirds" in Mesa, AZ, spending winters there with Lynn and summers at their place in Clear Lake, MN which was conveniently located on a golf course. Rene was able to golf whenever he wanted, which was a lot, with many of his friends and sometimes sons-in-law Tim and Chris, but mostly with Al Toews. When they were tired of traveling back to Minnesota, they settled in Mesa AZ where the winters were wonderful and they were near their "baby" (Lynn) who kept them in line. After Lois went home to be with the Lord, Rene moved back to Minnesota, this time to Moose Lake's Oakview Assisted Living. Here he was able to spend time with his daughters Micki and sometimes Shelly, his grand daughters and the great grand kids who live in the area. His faith and love for Jesus can't be separated from the man he was. He was a truly humble man, giving any praise that came his way back to Jesus. He loved music - many types, classical, barbershop, gospel and hymns. He supported his kids in their music endeavors by finding the funds to purchase a piano, violin and flute and paying for music lessons. He was proud of the music his kids made even when it wasn't really that good mostly while they were learning. He would attend all the concerts and Lynn's sporting events and be there at the end for a hug and "good job". When Rene was asked what he was thankful for he said the Oakview staffers, the St. Croix Hospice caretakers, the VA for all the assistance though the years, his kids - "you girls" and his grand and great grand kids, who he said he prayed for every day. He was singing praises and worshiping his Lord and Savior to the very end. When his voice was unable to make the sound as the four of us sang together on the last day together, his soul was singing as he made his way to the gates of heaven. When those gates opened on March 20, 2024, he was probably singing as he ran to Jesus and is now home in the presence of his Lord and reunited with his beloved Lois.

Tributes

Rene Leon Svenstad

July 7, 1932 - March 20, 2024

Tributes

Rene Leon Svenstad

July 7, 1932 - March 20, 2024

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