Kenneth Wayne “Kenny” DeRenzy, 82, of Macomb passed away peacefully at 7:49 a.m. Friday, August 21, 2026 in Galesburg after a lengthy battle with dementia.
He was born on January 10, 1944 in Bushnell to Laurin J. and Opal L. Cowman DeRenzy. He married Nancy Myers.
She survives.
Also surviving are two daughters, Teresa (Al Appenzeller) DeRenzy and Tammy (Mike) Nelson; one son, Bradley (Angela) DeRenzy; five grandchildren, Tyler (Danielle) Gathers, Amber (Brian) Miller, Kendall Hocker (Lynn Stewart), Mackenzie (Ashten) Arnaud and Kasey DeRenzy; great-grandchildren, Grayson, Hudson,and Easton Gathers, Graham and Brooklyn Miller, Lucille Stewart and Gracie Hocker and Weston Arnaud; one Sister, Linda Havens and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, eleven brothers and sister, Robert DeRenzy, Charles DeRenzy, Gerald DeRenzy, Richard DeRenzy, Howard DeRenzy, Gale DeRenzy, Larry DeRenzy, Margaret Lamm, Dorothy Saulter, Peggy Briney, Shirley Miller and Verna Smith.
Kenny was a man defined by his deep love for nature and his tireless, selfless devotion to others. An avid outdoor enthusiast, he was happiest riding his motorcycle in his younger days, or spending time on the water.
Fishing was more than a hobby----it was family tradition.
Summers were filled with cleaning, bagging, and freezing his latest catch, followed by countless fish fries shared with family, friends, and neighbors. Generous to his core, Kenny always made sure others enjoyed the daily catch because he always cooked way too much.
When he wasn’t outdoors, Kenny was a dedicated member of the morning coffee club at Hy-Vee, gathering several times each week to catch up on local news and enjoy the company of lifelong friends. Even as dementia began to cloud his days, his commitment to those friendships never wavered. On mornings when he arrived before the store opened and wondered why the lights were still off, a reassuring phone call to one of the guys reminding him it was only 3:00 or 4:00 a.m. would bring a familiar response: “Oh, okay.” He would head home and return a few hours later, right on schedule Kenny was a servant’s heart and was always the first to lend a helping hand. Whether roofing a house, repairing a vehicle, digging a hole, or wiring a home, he showed up whenever someone needed him. Even when he wasn’t entirely sure how to tackle a problem, he would jump right in simply because he wanted to help. He never expected recognition, repayment, or praise.
Kenny worked as the supervisor manager at Verizon for 23 years before his retirement. He then worked at Wesley Village for 2 years and at the Everly House for 13 years.
Cremation rites have been accorded. Private burial of ashes will be in Bushnell Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday, September 5, 2026 at the Macomb VFW.
Memorials may be made to the Everly House in Macomb. Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb is in charge of arrangements. You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.
