Leo S. Rensch

Leo Sylvester Rensch was born on August 10, 1940 in Makoti, ND. Leo's Dad passed away when he was four years old and Leo lived with his Aunt Elizabeth and Uncle Joe in Makoti. Leo grew up working on the family farm and learned how to drive the farm equipment long before he was 16 years old. Leo often told stories of "picking rocks" in the fields. He attended the local grade school in Makoti and later attended St. John's Preparatory School in Collegeville, MN.

After graduation from St. John's in the early 1960's, Leo entered the US Army, serving for four years, while stationed in New York City. Leo loved to tell stories about living in New York. He’d say, “A North Dakota farm kid living in New York!” After Leo was discharged from the service, he moved to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to be near family. One night he and his friends went to a restaurant called the “Kozy Inn”. There he met a young woman named Karen Klosterman, and they began dating and later married.

The newlyweds moved to California to begin a career in finance. They stayed in California for a few years and moved back to Cedar Rapids. They returned to Iowa with a baby girl named Leah and decided to raise their family in the Midwest.

A few years later, Leo followed a job opportunity and moved with his family to Des Moines. Their son Michael was born in Des Moines. Leo transitioned to a position with Home Federal Savings & Loan where he was in charge of the consumer lending department and stayed there for a number of years.

After a long career in consumer lending, Leo decided to take on another challenge as a business owner. He purchased a business called Valley Supply in West Des Moines and poured his heart and soul in the business. Leo turned the business around and employed and number of people. He created a family atmosphere which supported a number of families. When Leo sold the business, he dabbled in a number of industries until his retirement including selling real estate and owning a glass etching business.

In 2022, Leo decided to move to Dyer, Indiana, so he could be closer to his grandchildren. Leo enjoyed his daily activities of driving his grandchildren to and from school, and other activities, oftentimes stopping at Dairy Queen for a quick treat. Leo also loved watching the sporting events of his grandchildren. Leo loved to watch sports (especially the Minnesota Vikings and Iowa State), barbeque, read, and finding projects around the house.

Leo was preceded in death by his father, Anthony Rensch and his mother, Anne (Charipar) Rensch and his brother, Laverne. Leo is survived by his sister Patricia, his brother Richard, former wife, Karen Losee, his daughter Leah nee (Weber), his son Michael Rensch (Mary Kay) and four grandchildren Michael II, Patrick, Grant, and Charlotte.

Leo passed away peacefully on June 16 surrounded by his loved ones.

A memorial visitation will be held Friday, June 26, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Smits Funeral Home, 2121 Pleasant Springs Lane, Dyer, IN. A memorial visitation will also be held Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 440 Joliet St. Dyer, IN with the Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church. For further information, please contact 219-322-7300 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com