Francis Joseph Rendler

Francis Joseph Rendler, of Union Gap, Washington, passed peacefully, in his home, surrounded by the love of his family on Saturday May 2, 2026. He was 89 years old.

Francis is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Mary Louise (Lou) Rendler, his two daughters, Christine Dietz (Jeff) and Kimberly Doolittle (Jack), 7 grandchildren (Bianca Ray, Kassandra Martin, Tabitha Carr, Shawna Dietz, Tarissa Freelove, Nathan Dietz, Vincent Doolittle), 13 great grandchildren (Hunter, Chantell, Mariah, Hannah, Fisher, Adam, Sullivan, Lyla, Faith, Camden, Claire, Michael, Rhea), his brother Robert Rendler (his wife Rose, and their 3 Children, Robert, John and Cheri), Sister Joan Rendler, as well as many nieces and nephews through marriage which he adored.

Francis was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Irene Rendler, his son Edward Kromer, and nephews John and Howard.

Francis was born in La Crosse, Wisconsin on February 14, 1937 to Frank and Irene Rendler.

They moved from Wisconsin to Edmonds Washington and Francis lived with his sister Joan and his parents until he married Louise in 1974.

He had a long hard career in masonry as a hod carrier and brick layer then finished his career as a construction laborer for Baugh Construction for the last 30 years of his working days. When he retired many coworkers showed up to his retirement party, and told stories of how much they learned from his hard work and ethics, and how much they respected him. They told how they never saw him as the old man on the job site. This is how he earned his nick name of Fast Frank.

Francis and Louise moved to Union Gap Washington to live out their days in 2000. His desire was to stay there until his last days. He was granted that wish on May 2nd, 2026.

He was an amazing husband to his beautiful wife, married her and raised her 3 children as his own and always provided for them all. Francis was the best father and teacher to his 3 children and was always encouraging sports and willing to take them to the school or park to play ball no matter how hard he had worked or how tired he may have been. Francis was very involved with his grandchildren and great grandchildren; he loved them very much and they all adored him as well.

Francis loved everything Baseball and has collected baseball memorabilia for many years. He played baseball and football when he was younger. He also loved camping, fishing, hiking, playing horseshoes, and picking up aluminum cans and bottles to recycle. He was the ultimate thrift shop and yard sale shopper. There was not a bargain he could not find.

He was also known for his love of animals. He has always had dogs and cats, and could be found feeding racoons or skunks that came in at night to get a meal. When he moved to Union Gap, he was often seen walking around the field behind his home, with many cats and dogs in a line behind him. This love of animals gained him the nick names St. Francis and Pied Piper.

We will miss him greatly but are comforted knowing he has gone home to be with our Lord and Savior and we will be reunited with him again someday, the same way he has been reunited with his son Edward, and his mom and dad.