Claudette Ann Renard

Claudette A. Renard, age 91, of Allouez, was reunited with her loving husband, Wilton "Junie" Renard, and welcomed into Heaven on Sunday, March 22, 2026. She was born on July 27, 1934, to the late Claude and Viola (Vanderberg) Smith in Green Bay.

Claudette attended Green Bay East High School, and on April 11, 1953 - after meeting at a Bay Beach dance - she married her High School sweetheart, Wilton. Shortly after their marriage, Wilton joined the Army, and the couple spent time stationed in Germany before returning home to raise their growing family. Together, they lovingly raised seven children.

Claudette then decided raising seven children wasn't enough of a challenge, so to stay busy she spent decades waitressing at "Eves", "Downtowner", and "River's Bend" before furthering the challenge as a business owner. She first owned the "Chummy Club", then managed "This Is It" taverns. Paving the way for one of her proudest accomplishments, founding "Renard's Country Elegance". And if you've attended a wedding, fundraiser, or event in Green Bay in the last 40 years, there is a 98% chance Claudette personally ensured your plate was full and your centerpiece straight. She never truly retired. She remained active in the ABWA, Partners in Sharing, and could always be found supporting every fundraising event at her Son's bar, "Stop 41".

Her energy, generosity, and unwavering commitment to her family and community were constants throughout her life. And her legendary work ethic left her family trying to figure out how she could be in three places at once for more than nine decades. With what free time she managed to find, she could be found gardening, shopping, camping with the kids, and being a shark at the Black Jack tables. But there was no question that the most important thing to Claudette was always her family, and she ensured that everyone knew just how much she loved them. She will be greatly missed by her friends, family, and the entire city of Green Bay.

Claudette leaves behind a small army: 7 children; Steve Renard, Brian Renard, Renee (Bruce) Renard - Gantz, Dennis (Sue) Renard, Denise (Tom) Englebert, Blake Renard, and Shelly (Michael) Sheean, 13 grandchildren; Tony (Jessica), Melissa (Chad), Justin, Dillion, Kim (Mike), Alix (Tyler), Logan (Claire), Landon (Taylor), Casey (Madee), Jack, Sam, Bella, and Emily, and 9 great-grandchildren. Claudette is further survived by her brother-in-law; Gary (MaryAnn) Renard, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her siblings; Shirley Basten (Carol), Jimmy (Neva), and Donny (Bernice) Smith, and her sisters-in-laws and their spouses; Ruth (Harry) King, Elsie (Warren) Herman, JoAnne (Lloyd) Herman.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home (340 S. Monroe Ave.), with Prayer Service to follow at 6:30 pm. Her Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Wednesday at 11:00 am at St. Bernard's Catholic Church (2040 Hillside Lane), with a time for Friends and Family to gather before from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at St. Bernard's.

The Family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Cleo Beard for her wonderful friendship to Claudette in recent years. They also wish to thank the staff at Eden Vista and Moments Hospice for their compassionate care during this difficult time.