Michael J. Renner
Obituary

Michael Joseph Renner lost his ten-year battle with dementia on August 11, 2026. He said firmly, “I know I have the disease, at least I don’t have any signs of it yet” and he continued living life on his own terms for as long as he could.

Mike was born in Monroe, Michigan, which was also the birthplace of our distant cousin General George Armstrong Custer. Learning this at a young age sparked his lifelong love of American history, both good and bad.

One trip to Yosemite as a child was enough to make him love the wilderness and all of nature’s creatures. Mike found joy in observing wildlife and protecting their natural habitat.

An opossum found its way into his doggy door. Mike worked tirelessly to capture the frightened animal. He put it in a burlap bag, refusing to use a trap. He drove it to an open field and said, “go little fella”. Mike stood proudly as the opossum ran a mere 25 feet before a hawk swooped it up and carried it off and away. Asked if he cried, “two tears only, it is nature at its finest.”

Mike’s other love was sports, yet he never watched it on TV.

Officiating was probably the proudest thing Mike did in his life. He was highly regarded in both Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties for his officiating skills, not just football, his expertise included baseball, softball, volleyball and wrestling. He worked with community youth and adult programs and schools covering the Central Coast.

The Renner family was transferred to Vandenberg AFB in 1964. Mike attended the “Old Hospital School” for elementary school. He graduated from Cabrillo High School in 1973. Soon after, he enlisted in the US Army and was stationed at Hunter Liggett. It was close enough to Lompoc for his weekend visits with his favorite people ‘the Mission Hills Gang”. At the time, ‘gang’ was not a term for troublemakers. It defined a group of teenagers and young adults that are still bonded and remain friends 50 years later.

The Renner Family bought a small ranch in Nipomo and Mike rented a house from his parents and raised his four children on the Renner Ranch. Mike was a willing participant in some unsafe shenanigans with the kids, yet no one got hurt (badly) and they hold onto some fun and wonderful memories.

Mike leaves behind his son Nick Renner; Nick's two daughters Saundra and Nicolle Renner. Saundra made Mike a great grandfather when Raymond was born almost 9 years ago.

Mike’s second son is Joey Renner. Mike also has two daughters, Marissa and Rebecca Renner. Marissa gave Mike two more grandkids, Evelynn and Nathan.

Mike lost our mom, Elaine Renner in 1995 and recently lost our father John Renner in 2024. Mike was also preceded in death, by our loving grandma Linda Lilly, his friend and brother-in-law, Mark McLain and his beautiful great-nephew Koleson Renner who only shared 9 ½ weeks on earth with us.

Mike is survived by his sister JoAnne Corona and her husband Luis; sister Diane Renner McLain, brother Jim Renner and his youngest brother Tom Renner and his wife Nicolle Lilly Renner.

Mike’s four kids are in happy, loving relationships adding more love to the Renner family that he left behind. Part of the large family that will miss Mike as they grow into adulthood are 10 nieces and nephews and 17 great nieces and nephews.

Mike, may Mom and Dad hold onto you tightly. May you be blessed without disease. May you have as many friends in Heaven as you had here on Earth.

May you rest in Eternal Peace Dear Mike, my brother.