Brad Rendleman
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Brad Lee Rendleman, 70, of Jonesboro, who died on Sunday, July 16, 2023, at his home.
Brad was born to Lee Roy “Leepy” and Roberta Forrest “Bertie” Rendleman on May 29, 1953.
He was raised and grew up in Wolf Lake, where his love of farming and hunting began as a youngster.
Brad is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Susan (Schuster) Rendleman of Jonesboro. They met while attending Shawnee College and instantly became best friends and soul mates. They married on Aug. 3, 1991, at the First Baptist Church in Anna.
Other survivors include his sister, Sandra Schuster of Marion; nephews Zack (Katie) Rendleman of Anna and Tyler (Bridget) Rendleman of Jackson, Mo.; nieces Lacey Rendleman of Cape Girardeau and Lex Vargas of Lexington, Ky.; great-niece Reece Rendleman; a host of close cousins; extended family members Denise (Steve) Carpenter, Rhonda Chamness and Karen Sweitzer; all of his Wolf Lake families; many dear friends, especially Linda McCloud, Bob Holley, Janine (Jeff) Kelley and most importantly his fur babies, Sydney and Annie Rose.
He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents and brother, Marc Dee Rendleman.
Brad was a graduate of Shawnee High School and just celebrated his 50th year class reunion. He graduated from Shawnee College and later from Southern Illinois University with a degree in Agriculture Science.
Brad’s life was a plethora of careers in many different areas and activities.
At a young age, a love of hunting and farming was developed with his father while running a hunting club. The club was widely known for ducks and geese with a focus on waterfowl protection, establishing a chapter of Ducks Unlimited in Union County.
Likewise, they were widely known for their farming and agriculture business, and always believing in helping others.
He and Leepy established the Wolf Lake Fire Department, where he served as Chief for 20 years. Brad also served on the Union County Rescue Squad.
Brad was no stranger to hard work. He was a commercial fisherman, mail carrier, but his real life’s passion was established when he became the Health Inspector for Union County Southern 7 Health Department.
This led to his position as the Environmental Health Director for 25 years, serving the seven most Southern Counties in Illinois.
He was one of the first Licensed Environmental Health professionals in our area. He won Environmental Health Director for the State of Illinois twice, as well as other numerous awards.
Brad was known as a stickler for the rules and regulations but was always fair.
Whether he was playing Santa Claus for local schools or being a Shriner clown, he was always serving others in our community. Currently he was serving as the Chairman of the Anna-Jonesboro Water Commission.
Brad was fearless with his love and concern for protecting others which was instilled in him at a young age attending the Wolf Lake Methodist Church and later the Anna First Baptist Church with his wife Susan.
He was also a member of Anna Masonic Lodge No. 520, where he served as Worshipful Master, and the Ainad Shrine Club.
His words of wisdom as to how he lived his life come from Albert Einstein, “I have reached an age where if someone tells me to wear socks, I don’t have to.”
Whether you knew him as Brad, a man of faith, Uncle Bah, cousin, friend, Mr. Safety or Goombah, he will be sorely missed!!
Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 22, at the Anna First Baptist Church, with Pastors Lupe Lopez and Bill Littrell officiating. Interment was in the Jonesboro Cemetery.
Masonic rites were conducted at the Jonesboro Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com.
Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna was in charge of arrangements.