Renato E. Fermin, 85, was a founding pillar in Kenosha’s Filipino community

Obituary for Renato E. Fermin

August 30, 1938 — April 30, 2024

Renato E. Fermin, 85, of Kenosha, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

He was born in Pandacan, Philippines, on Aug. 30, 1938, a son of the late Andres and Belen (née Esguerra) Fermin.

He received his bachelor’s in accounting at San Augustine University in Iloilo, Philippines. He also served in the Philippine Navy.

On Dec. 22, 1968, in San Carlos City, Pangasinan, Philippines, he was united in marriage to the true love of his life, Remedios “Nida” Peralta.

Renato immigrated to the United States in April of 1972, to assure a better life for his wife and daughters, who followed him to the U.S. in December of that same year.

Rey, as he was known by friends and co-workers, was employed with American Brass for over 30 years, initially as an accountant, transitioning to become a skilled pipe fitter.

After he retired from the Brass, he worked for the Independence Center of North Waukegan as their transportation coordinator. He officially retired from the workforce at age 80, but would have kept on working if he was physically able.

He was a dedicated 50-year member of St. Mary Catholic Church. He served as the President of PAK, Pilipino Americans of Kenosha, where he was one of the founding members. He was a pillar in the Filipino community of Kenosha, where he and his wife Nida helped many of the newly immigrated Filipinos get settled.

He was also a man of many talents. He particularly loved music. He played the piano and violin by ear and had a powerful tenor voice. He loved to sing Elvis and Pavorotti songs at home on his karaoke machine and performed at family events and gatherings.

He traveled the world with Nida and loved spending time in his garden which was full of flowers and birds, and where he grew his tomatoes. Above all he was a dedicated family man, devoting his life to his wife of 55 years, his children, and his grandchildren, whom he referred to as his angels. He was especially proud of his grandchildren.

He is survived by his devoted wife, “Nida” Fermin; cherished daughters, Liza (Alvin) Fermin Granada and Anna (Walter) Fermin Sierzega; granddaughters, Alisa (Phillip) Granada and Lauren (Adam) Granada; grandsons, Oskar and Arlo; two sisters, Fermina Villena and Marina Agdigos; brother, Nestor Fermin; and many loving brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Along with his parents, Renato was preceded in death by his older brother, Leonardo Fermin.

Services

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on May 11 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 7300 39th Ave. Interment will follow in All Saints Cemetery.

A visitation will take place from 4 to 9 p.m. on May 10 at Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home. The recitation of the Rosary and a time of sharing will take place at 6 p.m.

Obituary and photo of Renato E. Fermin courtesy of Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home.