01/10/2024
Sending all of our thoughts and prayers to the Renards Cheese family! Let Howard’s spirit continue to lift everyone! 
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Howard Julian Renard, one of the beloved founders of Renard's Cheese. Howard, a pillar of the community and a pioneer in Wisconsin's cheese industry, passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 95.
Howard's journey in the world of cheese began as a young teenager at Fairland Cheese Factory in Namur, where his passion for crafting fine cheese took root. This early experience laid the foundation for a remarkable career that would span decades and leave an indelible mark on the industry he loved.
In 1961, Howard's entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish Renard's Cheese, a business that would become synonymous with quality and tradition in Wisconsin. His dedication to the craft and his keen business acumen saw the company grow from humble beginnings to a nationally recognized brand. Howard's legacy in the cheese industry extends beyond his own business, as he served as vice president of the Northeastern Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association and helped found the Packerland Whey Plant in Luxemburg.
Howard's success in business was matched only by his devotion to family. He and his beloved wife, Angela Bouche, whom he married on August 5, 1947, shared 72 years of marriage and raised seven children together. Their partnership was a testament to love, commitment, and teamwork, both in business and in life.
Known for his hard work, honesty, and generosity, Howard's impact extended far beyond the cheese industry. He was a man who worked hard and played hard, enjoying card games, fishing trips with his family, and travels with Angela across the country and to Europe. His unconditional love for his family and his passion for his work inspired all who knew him.
Howard's legacy will live on through his surviving family: his daughter-in-law, Bonnie Renard; his children, Joe (Judi) Renard, Mary (Neal) Bessett, Brian (Tina) Renard, Paul Renard, and John (Desray) Renard; 18 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Angela, sons Gary and Robert, granddaughter Carrie Renard, his brother Ron, and his parents.
The Renard's Cheese family and the entire Wisconsin cheese community mourn the loss of this extraordinary man. Howard Julian Renard's life story is one of passion, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to quality – in both his professional and personal life. His contributions to the cheese industry, his dedication to his family, and his impact on countless employees and customers will be remembered for generations to come.
As we bid farewell to Howard, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy that will continue to inspire. His spirit will forever be woven into the fabric of Renard's Cheese and the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. May his memory be a blessing and may his passion for cheese-making continue to inspire future generations in the industry he so dearly loved.
