ELKHART — Renate H. Senne, 79, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully following a long battle with cancer at the Center for Hospice Care in Elkhart at 6:12 p.m. Friday, July 8.

She was born July 23, 1936, in Stuttgart, Germany, to the late Ernst Heinrich and Alice (Schmidt) Zentner.

She later married Arthur E. Senne on Oct. 20, 1956, in Stuttgart. He survives her at home after almost 60 wonderful years together.

Also surviving are her children, Robert (Kristen) Senne of Elkhart and Anita (John) Knudtson of Granger; grandchildren Matt, Nicole, Taylor and Sophia; and her sisters, Crystal, Lena and Hilde who still reside in Germany as well as several brother and sisters-in-law; and nieces and nephews who survive in both countries.

A brother, Kurt Heinrich, preceded her in death.

Renate's life will be celebrated at the Augustana Lutheran Church, 1133 Kilbourn St., Elkhart, at 11 a.m. Monday, July 11, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Pastor Steve Reshan will officiate and burial will follow at a later date in Iowa.

True to her German heritage, Renate preferred hard work to idle hands. After coming to the United States following her marriage to Arthur, Renate and her husband managed their family farm for nearly 42 years. During that time, she was also a devoted homemaker as well as working in the accounting departments of several large companies after earning her business degree. She was also a longtime Mary Kay beauty consultant. What free time she had was spent knitting, crocheting, baking, sewing and entertaining family and friends. She will be best remembered for her grateful hospitality and her huge comfort meals where no one left hungry.

Memorial donations may be given to the Hospice Foundation.

Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart has been assisting the family with cremation arrangements.

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