Birth date: Dec 8, 1945 Death date: May 13, 2025
Renshaw Benjamin Garshelis, fondly known as “Renny,” passed away peacefully at his home in Charleston, IL, on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the age of 79. He was born on December 8, 1945, in Camden, NJ, to Benjamin and Elizabeth (Guns Read Obituary
50 years worth of fun, laughter and memories of “Mighty Gar”, trusted friend and confidant…
RENNY was one of a kind and always had “a song in his heart ❤️ and on his tongue” …
I so enjoyed the past three years talking daily about faith, family and football (actually with RENNY it was wrestling) …
Love you so much RENNY, will see you soon with gladness forever 🌟
Renny and I had a mutual interest in wrestling. The first time we met was in 1972 when he officiated our match against Western Illinois University. We won as did I. Little did I know that in 1974, Renny would be my supervising teacher at Charleston Junior High. We started the wrestling program, together in Charleston. We were great friends for 51 years. Renny, you are gone, but never forgotten! You made life better for many people. Thank you, Gar!
Renny was a close family friend since my dad worked with him at the charleston pool in the early 1970s. He and my dad did many things together and they always included me when they would go hunting and fishing together. I have many fond memories of Renny. He was fun to be around and he also teased me a lot for being a Cubs fan. We remained friends throughout my life and I and my mother are saddened by his passing. My thoughts and condolences go to all of his family and friends.
Renny was my cousin/brother. When Renny's Dad, my uncle, Ben, died in 1960, my Dad and Mom, Carl & Pat Garshelis, got custody of Renny, Jerry and Joyce Garshelis. My brother, Carl, sister, Patricia and myself were all raised together with Renny, Jerry and Joyce from 1960 to 1965.
It was like a movie! Going to Crosley Field to see the Cincinnati Reds, seeing the Beatles in concert, playing chess, pool, golf, two man football, caddying together, dating cheerleaders, camping out, shooting off homemade rockets: four teenage boys having the time of their lives.
Renny's uncle, Carl, had an employee, B.J. Smith, who had been a basketball player at Eastern Illinois University. B.J., Renny and myself visited Charleston in the summer of 1964. Renny went on to attend Eastern Illinois and spent his whole life in Charleston.
I moved onto Florida and then Colorado, traveled the world, and we lost touch with each other. However, a year ago, we reconnected and from then on talked weekly. Our beloved Ohio State Buckeyes won the national championship in 2025. We celebrated. In our last phone call we talked about Pete Rose's reinstatement to baseball.
Renny was a great athlete, wrestling official and a loving father and grandfather. He was tough as nails, as funny as Hell and as determined as any man I ever knew.
O H I O I love you and will miss you, Renny!
Robert (Bobby) Garshelis
Renshaw (Renny) was my first cousin and like another brother who came to live with us when his father (my uncle) passed away.
Renshaw (Renny) was an incredible person, someone who not only left a mark on those around him but also carried the strength and warmth of family through life's challenges. His journey—first as my cousin, then as someone who became like a brother—shows the depth of his connection to those he loved. His athleticism, his devotion as a husband and father, and his loyalty as a brother and cousin paint a picture of a man who lived with passion and purpose.
Beyond these roles, his sense of humor and kindness stand out as qualities that made every moment with him feel brighter. It’s clear he wasn’t just admired, but truly cherished. His absence will be felt deeply, but his legacy—the laughter he brought, the love he shared, the strength he carried—will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Renny's impact goes far beyond his accomplishments on the wrestling mat. His dedication as a champion college wrestler speaks to his grit, discipline, and determination—but what truly stands out is the way he carried these qualities into every aspect of his life. As a coach, teacher, and mentor, he didn’t just impart skills; he shaped futures, guiding countless students with wisdom, encouragement, and an unwavering belief in their potential.
It takes a special kind of person to transition from competitor to mentor, and Renny clearly embodied that rare balance of strength and compassion. The influence he had on his students over the years isn’t something that fades—it lives on in the lessons he shared, the confidence he instilled, and the lives he helped shape.
Coach Gar was a mentor and had a profound influence on my life. As my freshman football coach he taught me about “courage”.
I took many of those lessons into my professional life. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Todd Strong
When I was a kid, at Charleston Junior High, Renny was my first PE teacher in Seventh Grade. I thought the world of him, and I believe he liked me a little bit also.
When I was in 8th grade, I was a manager for the 9th grade football team that Renny coached.
Most everyday after lunch, Steve Curtis and I would go down to the Gym the last 10 minutes of the period and shoot baskets with Renny. It was one of those highlights of the day, as we hung with Renny and we would play Horse many of the days or just shoot around. Renny was a delight to be around and I thought the world of him.
When I was in 9th grade, he was the Football Coach and it was a fun time playing for Renny. Of course having a pretty good team and a winning record does make it a lot more fun.
Both of my sons, Rob and Jeremy also got to play for Renny and both of them thought well of him as well. When I got older, I appreciated our talks we would have whenever I saw him out.
Renny, you will be missed. Oh, and there is not anything on my shirt! His favorite trick everytime I saw him.
Kevin Myerscough
Renny was a charter member of the “The Three Stooges”. We would text almost daily to keep us involved and connect in each other’s lives. Renny was constantly making up jokes and help us at times reflect on our own lives.
I met Renny in 1969 while I visited EIU, We became friends immediately and our friendship lasted over 50 years. Renny was always there for me like a big brother.. Renny loved EIU, Both the soccer and wrestling programs were special to him.
Renny will be missed by many.
Once a Panther, always a Panther”
God Bless You Renny “
