Richard Renner

Richard Renner, 80, of Mandan, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on August 18, 2025.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, August 22, at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home in Mandan with Rev. Adam Barden presiding. Burial will follow at Mandan Union Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Thursday, August 21, at Buehler-Larson Funeral Home and will continue one hour prior to the funeral on Friday.

Richard was born March 25, 1945, in Mandan, the first of three beloved children to Valentine and Bertha Renner. He spent his early childhood on the family farm south of Mandan, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for hands-on work. He attended Custer Country School #2 through eighth grade and graduated from Mandan High School in 1964. From a young age, Richard showed a keen mechanical mind, often taking apart and rebuilding anything with moving parts. He had an uncanny ability to bring life back to aging machines, a passion that only grew stronger with time.

On May 31, 1969, Richard married Julie Nelson. Together, they raised four children and built a life centered around family, hard work, and community. Though they later divorced, their shared commitment to their children remained unwavering.

While Richard spent many years operating a dairy farm, it was his true passion for welding and machining that defined much of his life. His shop was a constant hive of activity filled with projects like rebuilding tractors, dump trucks, wreckers, dozers, and semis. He loved the challenge of creating and repairing, turning metal and machinery into something useful, lasting, and often extraordinary.

In 2004, Richard began splitting his time between his home in Arizona and the farm in Mandan. He spent winters in Sun City West, enjoying the sunshine and warmth, but bored with the slower pace of life. To occupy his time, he frequented the community machine shop and eventually turned his garage into a miniature version. When he returned home for the summer, he cherished time with family, especially around the Fourth of July. Richard loved nothing more than sitting back with a cold drink and a full plate, chatting with friends and family, sharing stories, and watching the fireworks light up the North Dakota sky.

Known for his generous spirit, quick wit, and talent for storytelling, Richard touched many lives. He was a trusted friend, a proud father, and a man whose hands told the story of a lifetime of labor, creativity, and dedication. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Richard is survived by his 3 daughters, Nicole (Dean) Beehler, Mandan, Stacey (Terry) Renner, Napoleon, and Danielle (David) Banning, Peoria, AZ; his grandchildren, Lee (Nicole) Renner, Demi Beehler, Tyler (Anna), Tatum, Tristan, and Tess Gross, and Sydney Renner, Spencer, Scarlett, and Jack Banning; his great-grandchildren, Brielle and Brody Gross, and Everly and Myles Renner; and his siblings, Mary Ann Preble and Val (Mary) Renner.

Richard was preceded in death by his sons, Jacob and Eric Renner.