Arthur B. Rensing, 79

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Arthur Ben Rensing, 79, of rural New Douglas, died on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2020, at Evelyn’s House in St. Louis County, MO.

There will be no public services. A private family service will be held in New Douglas at a later date. Lesicko Funeral Home in Livingston is assisting the family.

Mr. Rensing, also known as Santa, was born on April 12, 1941, in Mascoutah, to Bernard and Eugenia (Rakers) Rensing. He married Ruth Ann Henrichs on July 10, 1965, at St. Rose Catholic Church, and she survives.

He attended St. George Catholic Grade School in New Baden and graduated from Wesclin High School in Trenton in 1959. After high school graduation, he joined the Army Reserves.

Following a brief stint working at Dow Chemical, Mr. Rensing became a farmer in New Douglas with his family in 1969. He also served as a volunteer firefighter with the New Douglas Fire Department and assisted Santa Claus, from 2000 to 2018, at St. Clair Square in Fairview Heights and for local families in the community.

He was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Staunton and served as bartender at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Rensing is survived by his sons, Jay (Jennifer) Rensing of Edwardsville and Doug (Candy) Rensing and Chad (Jennifer) Rensing, both of New Douglas; daughter, Lynn (Robert) Hubert II of Wasilla, AK; grandchildren, Ashley (Kyle) Billings of Bunker Hill, A. Matthew Leal of San Antonio, TX, Alexander, Hannah, Haley and Mary Rensing, all of New Douglas, Dylan, Madison, Grace and Logan Rensing, all of Edwardsville, and Riley Hubert of Wasilla, AK; great-grandchildren, Ganon, Declan and Briella Billings; brother, Paul (Linda) Rensing; sisters, Jane (Russell) Terrell, Judy (Joe) Dudzik, Marilyn (Steve) Rosemeier, Eileen Rensing, Norma Rensing and Veronica (Dennis) Hanson; and in-laws, Gervase (Dolores) Henrichs, Ralph von Bokel, Patricia Fuehne, Roger (Lorraine) Henrichs and James (Carol) Henrichs.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Arthur Fuehne; and sister-in-law, Mary Jane von Bokel.

Memorials may be directed to the New Douglas Fire Department c/o Lesicko Funeral Home, P.O. Box 7, Livingston, IL 62058 or the Community Link Developmental Program in Breese.

Online condolences to the family may be left at www.lesickofuneralhome.com.