Barbara Renkosiewicz

Barbara M. (Borer) Renkosiewicz, age 79, a long-time resident of West Chicago, IL passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 in Franklin, TN with her family by her side. She was born on November 2, 1941 in Chicago, IL to Frank W. and Marie B. Borer.

Barbara graduated from Proviso High School, in Maywood, IL in 1959. She married Richard Renkosiewicz in 1962. They were later divorced.

For nearly 30 years she worked at Henry Pratt Company in Aurora, IL primarily as a materials buyer.

Barbara became passionately involved with Great Danes in 1978 when her young daughter, Lynda, wanted a Great Dane. The two of them pursued activities in support of the breed, for the remainder of her life. Lynda, becoming a handler and Barbara, who sought out mentors herself, began breeding and teaching conformation classes.

In 1982, she and several other Great Dane fanciers spearheaded the formation of a new club which would become The Illini Great Dane Club. She remained an active member throughout her life.  The club became one of the premier AKC Specialty clubs in the Midwest.  She served in most board of director positions over the years.

This passion led Barbara to mentor many who had an interest in the breed. Both pet and show owners could count on her sharing her knowledge and emphasis on health testing.

A highlight for her was breeding and co-owning BISS Champion Lyn-Bar's Sundae Rrryon, who while handled by her daughter, won the esteemed Top Twenty competition in 1994 at the Great Dane Club of America’s annual National Show.

"She's a good dog, a once-in-a-lifetime dog. She has a wonderful temperament and is trustworthy in any situation,” said Barb in an interview with the Chicago Tribune. “Once you have owned a Great Dane, you'll never have any other kind of dog.”

Later in life, Barbara fell in love with gourmet cooking, baking and candy making. For years she hosted an annual Christmas Luncheon fondly known as “The Hen Party” at her home, where guests were treated to a dinner of several courses, which she researched and prepared just for that occasion.

Preceding her in death were her parents and her beloved Aunt Mary S. Borer and Uncle Roy T. Borer.

She is survived by her daughter Lynda Moriarty and husband Andrew Moriarty: her brother, Roger Borer and sister-in-law Sharon Borer; nephews: Mark Borer, Michael Borer and nieces: Jennifer (Borer) Sorensen and Tina (Borer) Bauer.

Barbara has been living with her Daughter and Son-in-Law since 2017.  Prior to that she was a resident of West Chicago, IL for 45 years.

“A Celebration of Barb’s Life” will be held on Saturday, June 19,2021 from 2:00 – 6:00 PM at the Hilton Garden Inn, 4070 East Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174. Please join family and friends to remember Barb’s life and her love of Great Danes.

In leu of flowers, memorials are to benefit: the Illini Great Dane Club-Pat Lawrence Scholarship Fund, c/o Tom Proios, 502 Jennifer Lane, Grays Lake IL 60030.

She was entombed at Maury Memorial Gardens Mausoleum in Columbia TN.