Renee Mehlhaf

Dates

Obituary

Renee Mehlhaf, 62, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Monday, May 26, 2025, at Avera Queen of Peace Hospital in Mitchell, with her loving husband by her side. Funeral services will be at 10:30 AM on Friday, May 30, at Grace Reformed Church in Mitchell with Rev. Paul Henderson officiating. Burial will be at Menno Cemetery in Menno, SD. Visitation will be Thursday, May 29, from 5-7:00 PM with a 6:00 PM prayer service at Bittner Funeral Chapel.

Renee Patricia (Blachnik) Mehlhaf was born on March 17, 1963, in Tyndall, South Dakota, to Carl and Viola (Blaha) Blachnik and was baptized at St. George Catholic Church in Scotland on April 21st, 1963. She grew up in Scotland, SD, and graduated from Scotland High School in 1981. She went on to earn an associate degree in accounting from Mitchell Vo-Tech.

On April 19, 1986, Renee was united in marriage to Loren Mehlhaf at Zion Reformed Church in Menno, SD. Together they built a life centered around faith, family, and community. They were blessed with three daughters, Kelli, Jillian, and Haley. 

For over 30 years, Renee lovingly operated an in-home daycare, becoming a second mother to countless children and a beloved figure in many families’ lives. Her nurturing spirit touched generations.

Renee was a devoted member of Grace Reformed Church in Mitchell, where she joyfully volunteered, creating heartfelt cards for those in need of encouragement and care. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and even in her final days, she shared it openly—when asked who her primary care provider was, she answered simply “God.”

Renee had a joyful, social spirit and a love for life’s simple pleasures. She adored her Boston Terriers throughout her life—Daisey, Tootie, and Max—and surrounded herself with beauty through flowers, music, colorful hairstyles, and festive holiday decorations. She treasured family reunions, celebrations, and especially her time with her grandchildren, whom she showered with love through visits, cards, gifts, and phone calls.

Renee is survived by her husband, Loren; daughters, Kelli (Kirk) Danielson, Jillian (Jeffrey) Wolbrink, and Haley (Christopher) Ponader; her six beloved grandchildren: Drake and Maci Wolbrink, Leonard and Bowie Danielson, and Cassady and Addison Ponader; sister, Diana Vaness; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Viola Blachnik; brother, Duane Blachnik; father-in-law, Victor Mehlhaf; mothers-in-law, Viola Mehlhaf and Arlene Mehlhaf; brothers-in-law, Roger Vaness and Michael Diede; and nephew, Drake Mehlhaf. 

Renee’s legacy of love, kindness, and faith will live on in the lives she touched. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

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