Ken Van Rens

Ken is predeceased by his father, Mel and niece Christine Kleppe.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Marlene. They were married in Green Bay, WI on February 6th, 1970.

Ken is lovingly remembered by his mother Violet Van Rens, brother Doug Van Rens and wife Shelly, sisters Chris Krouth and husband Gary, Lori Van Rens, all of Green Bay WI. Brother David Van Rens and wife Sue of Cedar Park, TX and sister Cheryl Johnson and husband Thane of Knoxville TN. Brother-in-laws Ralph Kleppe and wife Mary Jo and Terry Kleppe of Manitowoc WI, sister-in-law Vicki Bleile and husband Steve of Bonners Ferry, Idaho.

He is also remembered by many nieces and nephews, numerous aunts and uncles and his family of friends at the Pedernales Fire Department.

Ken was born in Green Bay, WI, July 21st 1951. He graduated from East High in 1969, worked at Texas Instruments in several capacities including Safety Officer and Security Supervisor for over 20 years, and launched the first Texas Instruments Emergency Response Team. He left that position in 2000 to become the first full-time paid chief with the Pedernales Fire Department.

Ken joined the Pedernales Volunteer Fire Department in 1984 as a volunteer firefighter. He served as the department Training Officer for a number of years before replacing Chief Don Lamb (retired) as the Chief of Pedernales Emergency Services in 1995. He saw the department go from a Rural Fire District to an Emergency Services District in 1995. Under Ken (Chief Van Rens) the Pedernales Department rebuilt Station #1 at 801 Bee Creek Road, rebuilt Station #2 on Highway 71 to include living quarters, and built station #3 on Paleface Ranch Road. Ken worked with the Pedernales Fire Department for almost 28 years and after retirement served as a part time consultant.

Ken enjoyed riding his Harley-Davidson, sailing and power boating, fishing, and vacationing in his RV with his wife Marlene.

The memorial service will be held at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills Funeral Home, 9700 Anderson Mill Road, Austin, Texas 78750, on Friday, April 26, 2013 from 1:00 to 1:30 PM. Immediately following family to receive friends and family to celebrate Ken’s Life from 1:30 to 3:00 PM.

The Van family wishes to thank the ICU staff at Seton Hospital and Light House Hospice for their professional care and attention to Ken during this time.

In lieu of flowers the family request donations are made to their favorite animal shelter or humane society.