HIGHMORE, SD –

Renata Cowman, 92, of Highmore, passed away Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital, Sioux Falls.

Memorial Mass will be 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 11, 2023, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Highmore with Father Paul Josten, celebrant. Burial with follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Highmore. Wake and rosary will be 5:00 p.m., Sunday, September 10, 2023, at the church.

Renata was born in Zell, South Dakota on March 1, 1931, to Agnes (Goad) and John B. Weiss. After graduating from Redfield High School, she met Jerry Cowman while working at the dime store in Highmore. They married on September 4, 1952. Their marriage was blessed with seven children. They were married 63 years when Jerry passed in 2016.

They spent most of their married years in Highmore. For a time, they owned the Frosty Freeze where Renata honed her potato salad and coleslaw-making skills. Renata also served many years in the Office of Hyde County Director of Equalization and later as a Hyde County Commissioner. As a result of those years, the courthouse gang was an important part of her extended family which grew to include the Brueggeman family for whom she provided childcare service.

She loved her faith, time with family and friends, playing cards, preparing meals (including gravy), singing, and giving gifts. She was especially happy when spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren who referred to her as “Great Grandma,” “Big Grandma,” and “Memaw.” Not to forget one of her favorite pastimes was “twinning” with her favorite sister, Maxine. In addition, she spent much time at the Senior Citizen Center, and stopping at her favorite gathering places; she had a unique ability to attract invaluable and lifelong friends, and rarely spent time alone.

Renata is survived by her children, Jeryl (Rod) Bean of Belle Fourche, Jack (Jan) of Spearfish, Deb (Herb) Jones of Yankton, Dianne (Jimmy) Roberts of Hulett, WY, Jerald Price “J.P.” (Jody) of Moorcroft, WY, and Joni (Rod Ruen) of Pierre; sister, Maxine Myers of Alpena, MI; sisters-in-law: Peg Cowman of Indian Wells, CA and Patty Weiss of Hot Springs; 16 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; and many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jerry; son, James; grandson, John K. Cowman; and brothers: Raphael (Neva) Weiss, Willard (Jean) Weiss, Delbert (Lois) Weiss, and Jack Weiss; and brother and sister-in-law: Jerry Myers and Sharon Cowman.

Luze Funeral Home of Highmore has been entrusted with Renata’s arrangements. Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net.

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