Obituary, Gloria R. Renner, age 98

Gloria R. Renner, age 98, of Milford, CT (formerly from Glenview and Rock Island, IL) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Monday, May 18th, 2026. Gloria was born in Albia, Iowa on January 7, 1928 to the late Frank and Pauline (Kauzlarich) Brozovich. She graduated from Albia High school in 1945, and married Harry Dean Renner on October 22, 1949, ultimately settling in the IL Quad Cities.

“Glo” will always be remembered for her selfless generosity, compassion, and insight, remaining spicy and spunky to the end. She had a profound love for children and dedicated her career to educating those with special learning and behavioral challenges at Audubon elementary school in Rock Island. She was a cherished mother figure to many, providing love, support and advice that extended beyond her relatives to the friends of her children and grandchildren. To the latter, she was known as “Meena”, a moniker bestowed to her by her first grandchild as a toddler. Her grandsons were the source of her greatest pride and joy. She lovingly helped raise them to pursue successful professional careers in science and law.

Gloria enjoyed art as a talented oil painter and authored a children’s book. Her crocheted afghans warmed laps and hearts. She was an avid reader, a dedicated community volunteer and possessed a deep, lifelong love for animals. Immensely proud of her Croatian heritage, she baked a fabulous povitica and passed that no-recipe knowledge to her daughter and nieces.

Survivors include her children, Dr. Geralynn S. Renner (Dr. William B. Laskin) of Milford, CT and her son Gregory Paul Renner also of Milford, stepson Mark Wallace (Cherie) of Sierra Vista, AZ, cherished grandchildren, Grant Renner Laskin (Liliana Renteria-Laskin) of Boston, MA and Davin Renner Laskin of Miami, FL and many nieces and nephews.

Gloria was preceded in death by her infant son Grant Gerard Renner, husband Harry, and her siblings Joseph, Frank, Olga (“Ruth”), Sophia (“Sue”), Eva, Albert, Kazimer, John, Anthony, and Mathew.

Gloria was a member of Saint Ann Roman Catholic Church of Saint Raphael Parish in Milford. There will be no services, per her wishes. She will be interred at All Saints Cemetery in Des Plaines, IL. In lieu of flowers, in homage to her deep love for animals, memorials may be made to any animal rescue charity or post an online memory or condolence for the family at www.gregoryfdoylefuneralhome.com.