By David Fleet
Editor
Brandon Twp. — Walt Renn, a prominent local business owner for more than 40 years and community advocate died Nov. 19.
He was 67.
A Bad Axe native, at 17-years-old Walt enlisted in the Marines following high school in 1972.
Because of his age, Walt’s brother Gunther signed him up for the service. After three-and a half years he was honorably discharged E-4. Following his military service Walt worked at General Motors.
Gert Lowery is Walt’s niece and co-worker for more than 20 years.
“He was not a fan of working in a factory everyday,” said Lowery. “As a result, when he was laid off, Walt started taking classes for free thanks to GM and learned about insurance.”
He left GM and began working on his own. In 1980 Walt joined with Rick Horton and Wayne Wills to form a local insurance business. In 1982, they purchased a 750-square foot brick building at the corner of Glass Road and M-15. To better service customers a new 4,400 square foot office building was completed in 2006 the results of hard work and return business from customers.
“He made strong relationships with people,” said Lowery. “He did the job the right way with a lot of integrity and instilled that characteristic with his employees. As a result, Renn Insurance grew over the years.”
They remain an independent agency, which means they can select the best rate for their client, rather than having the option of only one company.
Julie Boadway of Renn Insurance Agency reflected on Walt.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working under Walt’s direction for the past 16 years,” said Boadway.
“We are saddened and grieving his loss but are prepared to continue servicing our clients with the high standards Walt required. We are looking forward to our future and meeting the needs of the clients we serve.”
Renn was a member and past president of the Ortonville Area Chamber of Commerce, a past member of the former Brandon Township Fire Board for nine and a half years.  He also was a member of the Brandon Stage group.
“He took time for everyone, and strived to get to know his customers,” Lowery said. “He truly loved Ortonville.”