John Douglas “Jack” Renner, age 84, of Jefferson City, Mo. passed away peacefully Saturday, November 5, 2022 at home surrounded by family. The beloved actor, director and mentor to many in local theatre, has taken his final bow.
Jack was born in Fargo, North Dakota, on June 29, 1938 to Pete and Della Renner of Moorhead, Minnesota. He was raised in Moorhead and always considered himself a “Minnesota Boy.”
He graduated from Moorhead High School in 1956 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1960 from Moorhead State College. During his college years, he worked in radio, both college and commercial, KVOX in Moorhead. He spent 2 years in the Army, honorably discharged in 1964. He was stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and met the woman who would become his wife, Susen Stonner. Susen was in school at St. Mary College, Lansing, Kansas. They married in 1965 in Tipton, MO.
The radio business eventually brought them to Jefferson City in 1965. In 1968, they moved to Austin, Minnesota, where he was AM Radio Program Director and TV weatherman. He returned to KWOS as Program and Music Director in 1970.
For the past 60-plus years, theatre has been a large part of his life, directing and acting with The Little Theatre of Jefferson City, the Scene One Black Box Theatre and the Capitol City Players.
When asked what his favorite role was, he always answered “the one I’m doing now,” whether it be acting or directing.
But, if pressed, as an actor, he remembers fondly ‘Willie’ in “The Sunshine Boys,” ‘Henry Higgins’ in “My Fair Lady,” ‘Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd’ in “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas,” among others.
Directing, he enjoyed the challenges of “Musical Comedy Murders of 1940,” Landford Wilson’s “Book of Days,” and David Mamet’s “Glengarry Glen Ross.”
And, of course, acting and directing with son, Tom, in Mitch Albom’s “Tuesday’s With Morrie” holds a special place, as well as his Swan song, directing “Last of the Red Hot Lovers,” with Tom.
Jack has always been thankful for the support he’s been given from the Jefferson City theater community, his sons, and most especially, from his wife, Susen.
Jack leaves behind: his loving wife of 57 years, Susen; five sons, Matt (Karen) of Jefferson City, Gregg (Stephanie), of Overland Park, Kansas, Joshua of Kansas City, MO, Sam (Michelle) of Warrensburg, and Tom (Jessica) of Jefferson City, and thirteen grandchildren, Charlotte (Payton), Olivia, and Maddie; Elena (David), Ethan and Audrey; Lauren and Jack; Jace, Edana and Declan; and Amelia and Jackson.
An only child of Pete and Della, he also leaves behind nine brothers-in-law, Paul (Susie), David (Anne), Dean (Dee), Ralph (Carole), Roche, KC (Donna), Pat (Linda), and Ed (Trina); and one sister-in-law, Barbara (Nick).
He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Michael Stonner, and sister-in-law, Martha Bendon.
Visitation will be held at Immaculate Conception Church from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Friday, November 11, 2022. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted immediately following at 11:30 a.m., Friday with the Reverend Matthew Flatley officiating.
An additional celebration will be held at Scene One Theatre, Saturday, November 12, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. with a program beginning at 2:00 p.m.
Private graveside services and entombment will be held at the Mausoleum of Resurrection Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to any of the theater companies that Jack loved and hoped to keep operating after he exits stage right to laughter and applause.
Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary.