Kathleen Lanz

Kathleen C. (Rennich) Lanz received her wings on March 2nd, 2022, at the age of 90, surrounded by her caretakers at Edgewood Mandan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, March 8th at Spirit of Life Catholic Church in Mandan with Fr. Todd Kreitinger as celebrant.  Burial will follow in Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday at Weigel Funeral Home with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service.

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On October 25th, 1931, Kathleen was born in Mandan, ND, the daughter of Jacob and Magdalene (Vogel) Berger. She was raised and educated with her seven siblings in Mandan, where she resided her whole life. After completing some high school education, Kathleen lost her mother and became a caretaker to her younger siblings. She did this not out of obligation, but simply because of who she was and her compassionate nature. She had a heart for service and was always the first to offer help. Thus, her love for gardening, cooking, and all things ‘homemaker’ began at a young age. At age 19, she met and fell in love with George Rennich Sr. They married in 1951 and together raised five beautiful children: Lynn, George Jr., Dave, Mary, and John.

Kathleen cared deeply for her family, friends, and neighbors. Her heart was truly enormous; she ensured that all who crossed her path were fed, safe, healthy, and happy. Her warmth, love, and kindness were not limited to people, as she was also an animal lover. She had a sincere smile and a friendly word for everyone, but her most significant impact was being the hands and feet of Jesus. Kathleen was an active member of her home church, Spirit of Life, where she led adorations and volunteered countless hours at the soup kitchen. She was a phenomenal cook; in fact, her buns were second to none, earning her the reputation as “the bun lady” in her community. The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Kathleen. She enjoyed a good crossword puzzle, book, soap opera, and reclining in her favorite chair. After celebrating 40 years of marriage, Kathleen lost her husband, George Rennich Sr., to a tumultuous battle of cancer in 1991. She was later re-married to Harland “Red” Lanz, and they shared 19 wonderful years together before he too, lost a battle to cancer. Kathleen’s love for people, animals, gardening, and cooking lives on with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Kathleen is survived by her daughter, Lynn (Kenneth) Weiand of Mandan; three sons, George (Linda) Rennich of Mandan, Dave (Mary) Rennich of Bismarck, and John Rennich of Bismarck; seven grandchildren, Chris Weiand of Mandan, Craig (Kim) Rennich of West Fargo, Melanie (Ian) Flanders of Bismarck, Corey (LeAnn) Rennich of Bismarck, Jenny (Travis) Gatzke of Mandan, Jesse (Victoria Bellon) Rennich of Bismarck, and Sam Rennich of Bismarck; and eight great-grandchildren.

Kathleen was preceded in death by her parents, Jacob and Magdalene Berger; her seven siblings; her spouses, George Rennich Sr., and Harland Lanz; her daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Dion Palen; and her grandson, Jacob Rennich.

The family of Kathleen would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Edgewood Mandan and CaringEdge Hospice for providing the utmost care and making her last days of life full of peace and comfort.