With great sadness we share the passing on August 15 of Hans Dieter Renning, 93, a long–time resident of Turlock. A husband, father, grandfather and retired professor, Dieter was involved in many community and professional activities and was respected and loved by all those with whom he associated. Those who knew him will remember him for his friendliness, intelligence, good humor, reasonable nature and quiet determination to leave the world a better place.

Born in Dresden, Germany, in 1933, Dieter grew up during the rise of the Nazis and survived World War Two, including the bombing of Dresden and internal displacement. By the end of the war, his family had settled in Hamburg, where he completed his schooling and his undergraduate degree in college before moving to Freiburg to pursue a doctoral degree. During his time in Freiburg, he met his future wife Hanna when she came there from the U.S. to study as a Fulbright fellow. After earning his Ph.D., Dieter moved to the United States to begin his college teaching career. He and Hanna soon reunited and married in 1961; their marriage continued for 65 years until his death.

While teaching at several colleges and universities in the Midwest, Dieter became a father as he and Hanna welcomed sons John and then Mike. In 1970 the family moved to Turlock when Dieter accepted a position in the Economics department at California State College (now University), Stanislaus, where he would teach through his retirement in 1996. Alongside Hanna, Dieter remained very active in retirement as a key member of the Stan State Emeritus and Retired Faculty and Staff Association, singing in the Stan State Concert Chorale and Modesto Symphony Orchestra Chorus, tirelessly promoting the public library as a member of the Friends of the Turlock Library, and supporting local arts organizations including the Carnegie Arts Center and the Modesto Symphony Orchestra, for whom he served as a board member.

In addition to his many friends and associates, Dieter is survived by his wife Hanna, son Mike (and wife Annette), and grandson Nate; he was predeceased by his son John. A memorial service will be planned in the near future. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to an organization supporting the arts, needy people or environmental protection.