Rhoda Lu Labrenz

DALTON – Rhoda Lu Labrenz, age 93, of Dalton, WI, died on Friday, February 2, 2024, surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on September 19, 1930, on the Bangs Homestead farm in rural Dalton, WI, the daughter of Theodore and Rhoda (Solterman) Bangs.  She was united in marriage to Darrell E. Labrenz on September 25, 1948, in Packwaukee, WI. Lu was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on July 30, 1950, and was a member of many different Congregations in Illinois, California, Utah, Kentucky, Wyoming, and most recently in Portage, Wisconsin.  For the past 57 years she has been a resident of rural Dalton. Lu was shy by nature, but because of her love for God she devoted her life to teaching the Bible to neighbors. Her favorite jobs were driving tractor and driving patients in a medical van. 

Survivors include her two children: Kit (Priscilla) Labrenz and Cheryl Labrenz;  seven grandchildren: Kimberly (Tom) Stasko, Kristen (Phil) Gutohrel, Karen Thurman, Jason (Amy) Scaggs, Javin (Amy) Labrenz, Amber Labrenz and Ryan (Jessica) Labrenz;  nine great-grandchildren:  Alex, Liam, Hayden, Micah, Savannah, Zara, Ana, Jade and Taylor; her siblings: Ruth Neumann, George Bangs,  Allen (Janet) Bangs, and Doris (Rufus) Reid; many nieces and nephews as well as many friends as close as family. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 70 years.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 2:00 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, W10326 State Hwy 16, Portage, WI, and will be available on Zoom as well. Visitation will be at the Kingdom Hall beginning at 12:30 PM on Saturday, February 17, 2024.

Lu will be remembered as a loving and faithful wife, mother, sister, grandma and friend and will be missed by all who knew her.

Pflanz Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.