James Rensch

Makoti

James John Rensch was born on December 22, 1941, to John L. and Lenora A. (Petz) Rensch in Makoti. He was the only boy among nine children. Jim graduated from Makoti High School in 1959. After graduation, he helped his father on the family farm and eventually took over the farm when his dad retired. Jim also worked on the construction of the Makoti High School gymnasium during the summer of 1961. Over the years, he also worked for Oberg Construction and assisted with setting up machinery and delivering equipment and vehicles for Rensch Garage.

In 1969, Jim married Vonda Lee. They made their home in Makoti and moved to the original farmstead west of Makoti in 1972, where they raised their three children. Farming was his passion, and his faith was his foundation. He loved all aspects of farming, especially harvest time. Jim served on the Makoti Elevator Board and was an active member of St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church, where he served as a trustee and church council member.

Jim was very community-oriented and supported all local projects. He served on the Makoti City Council for several years and was the mayor for two years. He was also a member of the Makoti Housing Board, the Makoti Café Board, the Makoti Development Corporation, and the Ryder-Makoti Fire Department. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed annual fishing trips in Canada each summer and was active in the Hiddenwood Sportsmen’s Club. Jim loved hunting and spent many hours outdoors with family and friends, particularly enjoying upland game walks with his dogs, Toby and Otis.

Family meant everything to Jim. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandpa. An avid card player, he loved to win and tease others when he did; heaven forbid if you got skunked in a game of cribbage by him. Jim looked forward to his daily “coffee” with friends and enjoyed Friday night brandy with Dennis. He was dedicated to working on the farm and staying active, always with a bright smile and a kind word for others. He was willing to lend a helping hand whenever needed. In recent years, Jim often said, “I have lived a good life.”

On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, James “Jim” Rensch was surrounded by many of his family members and friends when he was welcomed into heaven, reunited with cherished loved ones who had passed before. At the age of 83, he leaves behind a beautiful legacy built on faith, love, and hard work. Blessed be his memory among us and may his soul rest in eternal peace.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Vonda Rensch of Makoti; children, Jill Grumbo (Terry) of Washburn, Erik Rensch (Susan) of Makoti, and Tracy Schneider (Mark) of Bismarck; grandchildren, TJ Grumbo (Kylie) and Turner Grumbo (Kiara); Dustin Dixon (Jackie), Mathew Dixon (KeeGayne), and Brittney Humphries (Kyle); Sonora Schneider and Harrison Schneider; great-grandchildren, Wesley, Bree, Juliette, Carter, Christian, Chelsea, Soren, and Freya; sisters, MaryLou Bell of LaGrange, KY, Irene Magnuson of Surrey, ND, Barbara Thibault of Fountain, CO, Genevieve Lampert (Ron) of Bismarck, ND, Carolyn Beyer (Dan) of Simi Valley, CA, Amelia Burgeson of Grand Junction, CO, Bernadette MacDougall of Colorado Springs, CO; brother-in-law, Joe Pitner of Towner, ND; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jackie Pitner; brothers-in-law, Larry Bell, Larry Magnuson, Robert Thibault, William Bosch, Robert Burgeson, and Allen MacDougall.

Visitation and Rosary were held on Friday at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Makoti

Funeral Mass: Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Old Makoti School Gymnasium, Makoti

Interment: St. Elizabeth Catholic Cemetery, Makoti

Memorials are preferred to any Makoti community organization.

(Langhans Funeral Home, Parshall)

Published by The Minot Daily News, September 13, 2025.