DORIS GENE RENZ
Doris Gene Renz, of Lodi, California, earned her heavenly angel wings on January 13, 2017, surrounded by family and loved ones. She was 90 years old. Doris was born to Milton and Luella Dennen in Oakland, California, on May 14, 1926. Doris often spoke of her father who was employed as an Oakland police officer during tough times of the depression and how lucky she was compared to others.
Always excelling in academia, Doris graduated early from high school and was accepted at UC Berkeley. Unfortunately, WWII and family illness interrupted her education. After seeing posters for the Nurses Corp, Doris was inspired to sign on with the United States Navy. Though she never had to serve, she kept the Navy close to her heart. Instead, Doris entered Samuel Merritt Nursing School in 1945 where she graduated in 1948. After taking some time out to raise her family, she returned to nursing when her youngest was in school where she worked at Lodi Memorial Hospital in the OB Department for over 25 years. Doris took pride in being able to assist with the birth of five of her six grandchildren and was always available to lend a hand to many other young expectant mothers in Lodi. In retirement Doris was involved with Lodi Arts, Lodi Library and volunteered as at reader at public schools. She was a member of the Naval Nurse Cadet Corp and St. Paul Lutheran Church. Of all of her accomplishments, Doris took pride in being a hands-on grandmother as her grandchildren grew up and would rarely miss an award ceremony or event in which they participated.
Doris is survived by sons, Mitchell Renz of Stockton and Stanley Renz of Vacaville; daughter, Laura Akahori of Lodi; grandsons, Matthew Renz of Lodi, Christopher Renz of Sacramento, Andrew Renz of San Francisco, Kevan Renz of Vacaville, and Phillip Akahori of San Luis Obispo; granddaughter, Kimberly Akahori DeBaise of San Jose; and brother, Raymond Dennen of Kensington. She was preceded in death by her parents. As per her request, no services will be held. A private family interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Doris’ name to PALS in Lodi or Shriners Hospital.
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