Obituary of Jerry Renz

On August 1, 2023, Jerry Renz passed away surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was born and raised in San Benito County and graduated from San Benito High School. After high school, Jerry served in U. S. Coast Guard. Following the Coast Guard, he went to work for Charlie Saufnauer at Saufnauer Plumbing, got married and started a family. He eventually bought Saufnauer Plumbing which would ultimately become JR Plumbing and True Value. In addition, Jerry was a contractor and developer. Jerry was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He cherished spending time with family and friends. He and his wife Kathy, built a cabin in the sierras where family and friends would gather to ski and go boating. Eventually they would sell the cabin in the sierras to build a second home in Montana, where they would live part time for 20 years. He was a member of the Elks Lodge in Hollister and Lifetime member of Elks Foundation in Montana. Also, an avid hunter and loved woodworking, even milling his own wood. Jerry and wife Kathy, enjoyed traveling the world, but one of their favorite places to visit was Akumal Mexico. Their other favorite travel spot was camping at Seacliff State Beach in Aptos. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Robert A. Renz and Nina B. Renz, and his sister Verna Tarkington. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Kathy, daughter Kimberly Cirelli (Mark), son Todd Renz, grandchildren, Megan Cirelli, Brandon Cirelli (Georgia), Holden Renz (Brittany), Gavin Renz and Owen Renz, and 8 great-grandchildren. Sisters, Shirley Renz and Cathy Chesnut and numerous nieces and nephews.