Michael Francis Renehan, 80 of Valparaiso, passed away Tuesday, July 1, 2025. He was born on August 12, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois to Jerome H. and Lottie (Wroblewski) Renehan, Sr. A U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War, Michael made his career as a CPA , becoming the Chief Finance Officer for the YMCA of the USA. In his early career, he was active in the Settlement House Movement, having worked for the Federation of Settlements and served on the Board of Jane Addams Center of Hull House. After his Y service, he worked for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as an Assistant Treasurer in Chicago.
On July 15, 1972, Michael married Kirsten A. Lauridsen who survives along with their children, Alexis Renehan Gowan and Maxwell Renehan; granddaughters, Elsa, Maia, and Freya Gowan; brothers, Jerome “Jerry” (Bernadine) Renehan, Jr. and Norman (Donna) Renehan; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as his siblings, Lynda and Daniel Renehan.
Michael was a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, where he volunteered his skills in finance, serving as Treasurer and Council Member for many years. He was also a Stephen Minister assisting with that Ministry of care and listening since it began at Trinity.
He was an avid reader of history, mystery, and articles of faith and Christianity. He also loved anything to do with cooking a special meal that challenged his talents as a gourmet chef. Many were fed, with so many having enjoyed his delicious resolve.
Michael was a great planner of infinite details with long lists – planting and harvesting years of bountiful gardens, itineraries of travel adventures taken both nationally and globally, and ideas for helping others in the nonprofit world to make ends meet. His heart lived to help others in so many ways.
His granddaughters added that he was always doing daily crosswords and was a bookstore frequent flyer. They especially liked when they got invited to go along and said he was a helpful coach on quizzes to be taken, whether they needed it or not! They will miss him greatly – he was a fine grandpa with a fun sense of humor!
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church, 201 N. Washington St., Valparaiso, IN 46383. Visitation at 10 AM, with a Memorial Service beginning at 11:00 AM. A private burial of ashes will take place at Union Ridge Cemetery in Chicago, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church.
GUESTBOOK
My favorite part of the obit was “delicious resolve.” Surely I’m not alone is saying "wow. It put me back in touch with my own experience of Mike, his quiet attentiveness, his wit, his strength. Thanks. -Jean Jacobson
My deepest sympathies to you Kirsten and your family. Mile was a very special man who was loved by many. I am sorry for your loss. But the life you had together was wonderful and full of of love. A very special man. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You all have very special memories with Mike. You are in my heart. Love, -Doreen P. Moore
Keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers. May Mike’s memory be a blessing. May he rest in peace. -Maureen Kokes
Prayers to Michael and his Family. -Norman Renehan
Sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. -Bill and Dianne Schreiber
Jerry and family: I offer my deepest condolences in the passing of Michael. May you, Jerry and Renehan Family find comfort and peace knowing he’s now in a better place and at peace. May you all remember the good times you had with him and cherish and hold all those memories close to your hearts. Prayers to all the family! -Jeannene Schumacher
I will miss you Uncle mike. I love that I was born on your birthday and every year we could share that day together. I will miss you dearly. You were a great Godfather and I will always be thinking of you. I will miss you always and forever. Condolences to Aunt Kirsten, Alexis, Maxwell and to our family. -Tricia Renehan
Our sincerest condolences to my Dad Jerry, Uncle Norm, Aunt Kirsten, Alexis, Max, and all who knew him. He was fun and kind and brilliant. We loved him and will love him always. Love, Tari, Scott and Morgan Blalock
Mike was my life-long best friend. As kids we were inseparable. We were Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Little Leaguers, Altar boys, and newspaper carriers together. We were "toe heads" until our teens and many people often thought we were twins. I took him to IU Bloomington home 3 or 4 times during his college days. I saw him off to Vietnam with Mom and Dad, along with my daughters Tricia and Tari in the Fall of '67. Too many great times to remember. I'll miss our random phone conversations on innumerable topics that could last for only a few minutes or an hour or more. And his sometimes off the wall "menu" items at family gatherings. I was there when he passed. I love you, Mike. -Jerry Renehan
