Karl Armin Renter

Karl Armin Renter, 101, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026, at Meth-Wick Community in Cedar Rapids. In agreement with his wishes, cremation has been accorded and there will be no services held. A private family inurnment will take place at a later date at Oak Shade Cemetery in Marion, Iowa.

Karl was born on April 30, 1924, in Kassel, Germany, the son of Ludwig Karl Armin Wilhelm and Katharina K. (Kolb) Renter. Karl and his family emigrated to Lena, Illinois in August of 1928, and then later moved to Davenport, Iowa in 1936. He attended Frank L. Smart Junior High School and then Davenport High School, until leaving to serve his adopted country in 1943. Karl enlisted with the United States Army and his service took him to the Northern Solomons, New Guinea, invasion of the Philippines, and finally to the first occupation troop of Japan. He served our ‘Uncle Sam’ for almost three years in the South Pacific. Karl was awarded a Combat Badge, Purple Heart, and Bronze Star Medal.

After returning home from the service, Karl spent a short time with the Northwest Bell. Using the GI bill, he attended Deforest Electronic School in Chicago, Illinois. After graduation, Karl worked at several TV repair shops, before spending 18 years working in the laboratory at Collins Radio. Leaving Collins Radio, he spent the next five years as a Field Engineer with NORAND Corporation. Leaving NORAND, Karl returned to Rockwell for 10 years, as a Marketing Engineer until his retirement in 1984.

Karl and his beloved wife of 75 years, Lois traveled the world. They belonged to the Iowa Mountaineers. Together, they climbed Long Peak in Colorado, and backpacked in North and South America as well as the Himalaya in Nepal. They enjoyed each and every place they visited. Karl and Lois enjoyed their trip to the Beagle Channel at the tip of Argentina. One trip to Spain was very interesting. They ran into a couple from New Zealand, where Karl had established a camp for Rest & Recovery, after the Battle for the Munda Airport in the Solomons, and before their next campaign. While at New Zealand, there was a farmer down the road from their camp, who would bring the boys ice cream once a week. That couple knew the farmer. It’s a small world.

Karl was a 32nd Degree Mason and belonged to the Cedar Valley Wood Carvers Club; he continued to chip till the end of his life. Together, Karl and Lois enjoyed building their home. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Karl will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Treasuring Karl’s memory are his children, Susan (David) Dunlap, Rebecca (William) Shaffer, and Karl G. (Mary) Renter; two grandchildren, Karli Dunlap and James (Amanda) Shaffer; and two great-granddaughters, Abagael and Lillian Shaffer.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lois Renter on December 9, 2023; and sister, Ella K. Patzer.