William F. Renfrew
Lansing, Michigan
Born November 16, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan son of the late Charles W. and Louise (McGuire) Renfrew passed away on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the age of 93.
He is survived by two daughters and 3 grandchildren, brother, Bruce Renfrew, along with many nieces, nephews, and a very special friend.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his second wife, Eleanor; brother, Charles B. Renfrew, and his sister, Robin Bahr.
Bill was a graduate of Baldwin High school and served his Country in the United States Naval Reserves. After a brief start at Michigan State University, he returned during his seventies to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in History. Bill retired from the Lansing Police Department and remained active as police commissioner and prison chaplain, while proudly serving as a Deacon in the Episcopalian Church. He was an avid MSU fan, had an absolute blast as a coach in the annual Lansing “Pigs -vs- Freaks” football games, and discovered a passion for theater in his later years.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at St. David’s Episcopal Church, 1519 Elmwood Dr., Lansing, MI 48917. The family will receive friends at the Church for one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions in memory of Bill, to St. David’s Episcopal Church.
6 Messages to “William F. Renfrew”
Print MessagesPlease Sign The Guestbook
Craig Gleason
August 24, 2025 at 10:43 pmAs a Police Officer, I can recall Bill always being very kind and polite with the public. I would say, a true gentleman. Bill had a certain kind of gentleness about his overall behavior.
It was no surprise he became minister.
May God be with his family for comfort.
Craig Gleason, retired LPD.
Darin Larner
August 25, 2025 at 8:45 amAll wonderful memories of bill! A quiet gentle man with a passion for serving. Rest in peace my friend. Darin Larner
Tim Poxson
August 25, 2025 at 11:35 amBill was a great man always nice. I always enjoyed talking to him on LPD and after he retired. Rest in peace!
Lois Hill
August 27, 2025 at 9:48 pmBill was such a kind man. I hope his family can take solace in the fact that his kindness was evident by so many who loved and appreciated him. Including me. Rest in peace, Bill.
Suzanne Moore
September 7, 2025 at 3:23 pmTo the Renfrew Family: May your cherished memories of this great man bring you comfort and may knowing that he is in God’s loving embrace give you peace.
Jerry & Carol Williams
September 8, 2025 at 2:03 pmTo the Renfrew family: We knew Bill when he served as a Deacon at St. David’s and as a member of the Promise Keepers group there. He was always so kind and helpful to everyone.
Also, each Sunday after church he would go downtown to the Lansing jail to minister to those incarcerated there, providing encouragement to each person. May God comfort you and give you His peace knowing that Bill was a good man and is now in God’s loving presence.