Renee M. Langeland

Renee was born on February 3, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, to Siebert and Harriet Herlien. She graduated from Timothy Christian School and briefly worked as a receptionist at a real estate office. Renee’s life was deeply rooted in her faith and her community, especially through her involvement at First Reformed Church of Berwyn, Illinois. It was there that she met Harold, the love of her life.

Renee often joked that she only agreed to go out with Harold because of his convertible—a Ford Falcon—but anyone who knew them could see they were a match made in heaven. Their first date was to a friend’s house after church, where Renee sipped her first and only cup of coffee. After a year of dating, Harold proposed, and a year later, on July 30, 1965, they were married.

Together, Renee and Harold raised two daughters, Karen and Jennifer, who were baptized at First Berwyn. Renee thrived in her role as a servant to her church community, preparing meals for banquets, breakfasts, and dinners. Her beautiful soprano voice was a cherished part of the church choir. As the church’s membership declined, Harold and Renee remained steadfast in their faith and dedication to God and church.

Beyond her church and family, Renee’s greatest passion was camping. From their early days of tent camping to the luxury of their Airstream in later years, Renee and Harold cherished their time outdoors. They spent countless weeks creating lifelong memories and serving their campground community, even helping to maintain its cleanliness well into this past camping season.

Renee was a beloved presence among her fellow campers, always ready for a warm chat or a friendly wave as she and Harold cruised the grounds in their golf cart. Their shared routines and adventures exemplified a life of joy, service, and love.

Renee is preceded in death by her parents, Siebert and Harriet Herlien; her in-laws, Clarence and Grace Langeland; and her brother John Herlien. She is survived by her devoted husband, Harold; her children, Karen (Tom) Busack and Jennifer (Scott) Lancaster; her cherished grandchildren, Kelly, Trenton, Peter, and Tucker; her sister Maryan (Jim) Pritchett; and her brother Charles (Pam) Herlien.

To honor Renee’s memory, a visitation will be held at Chapel Hill Gardens West, Oak Brook Terrace, on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. A celebration of life officiated by Reverend Jon Gauger will be held at 1:00 p.m. with burial to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to King’s Camp in Chana, Illinois, in Renee’s name.