Marshall Craig Rens
December 5, 1960 ~ June 15, 2013
Marshall Craig Rens (52) of Vienna, VA died on Saturday, June 15, 2013 due to natural causes. He was born in Madison, WI to parents Lawrence and Shirley Rens. He graduated from Yorktown High School in Arlington, VA in 1979. Received a Bachelor and Master degreed from the Medill School of Journalism at North Western University in Evanston, IL.
He worked at Changing Times Magazine and Quantum Computer Services which changed to AOL in 1988. Marshall was employed there for 10 years in the Marketing Dept. working up to the position of Vice President of Partner Marketing.
He was especially interested in education and teaching. He returned to school at George Mason University where he earned a Masters degree in Education. He taught English classes at Fairfax High School and was a substitute English and Journalism at Yorktown High School and H.B. Woodlawn. He enjoyed working with his classes and recently presented a series on Alfred Hitchcock. He hoped to provide his students with a rewarding educational experience.
Marshall enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was fortunate to be able to travel extensively and spent as much time as possible at his home on the Eastern Shore.
He is survived by his parents, Laurence and Shirley Rens of Sun City West, AZ; his sister Rochelle (Terry) Hamlin of Midlothian, VA and their children, Zachary of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Lindsey at home. Also surviving is his brother, Bradley (Elaine) Rens of Centreville, VA, their children Alison (Robert) Lane, and their son Matthew of Fairfax, VA, Ashley (William) Montogomery of Ashburn, VA, and sister Jamie Rens (Donald McMahon) of Ventura, CA; also several aunts and uncles and 10 cousins.
Relatives and friends are invited to Marshall's Life Celebration at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave, Vienna, VA on Saturday, June 29 from 10:00 AM to time of service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the New Hope Housing Inc., 9155 Richmond Hwy, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 or the American Heart Association in Marshall's name.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
He worked at Changing Times Magazine and Quantum Computer Services which changed to AOL in 1988. Marshall was employed there for 10 years in the Marketing Dept. working up to the position of Vice President of Partner Marketing.
He was especially interested in education and teaching. He returned to school at George Mason University where he earned a Masters degree in Education. He taught English classes at Fairfax High School and was a substitute English and Journalism at Yorktown High School and H.B. Woodlawn. He enjoyed working with his classes and recently presented a series on Alfred Hitchcock. He hoped to provide his students with a rewarding educational experience.
Marshall enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was fortunate to be able to travel extensively and spent as much time as possible at his home on the Eastern Shore.
He is survived by his parents, Laurence and Shirley Rens of Sun City West, AZ; his sister Rochelle (Terry) Hamlin of Midlothian, VA and their children, Zachary of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and Lindsey at home. Also surviving is his brother, Bradley (Elaine) Rens of Centreville, VA, their children Alison (Robert) Lane, and their son Matthew of Fairfax, VA, Ashley (William) Montogomery of Ashburn, VA, and sister Jamie Rens (Donald McMahon) of Ventura, CA; also several aunts and uncles and 10 cousins.
Relatives and friends are invited to Marshall's Life Celebration at Money and King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave, Vienna, VA on Saturday, June 29 from 10:00 AM to time of service at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the New Hope Housing Inc., 9155 Richmond Hwy, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060 or the American Heart Association in Marshall's name.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
marshall was at aol when i got there and he was instrumental in getting me up to speed about the history of aol and the marketing dept. he was always a touchstone for access to details about how things had gotten done and what needed to be done. he was ready to listen, advise and take the time necessary to make sure all was understood. he knew everyone at aol at that point and was respected and admired by one and all. he worked very hard and laid the groundwork for the rest of us as we built the best online service the world had ever known. condolensces to the family and friends who will certainly miss marshall.
Hundreds of times, I would walk down to see Jan Brandt in her office and make a pit stop to hang out and chat with Marshall back in the good old days at AOL. Marshall would let me know what kind of mood Jan was in:-); how the business was trending; what I should be concerned with; what was working and what was a cause for alarm. He was always conversant in what was best for the company; and he was always tuned in to what was happenning in people’e personal lives, and was such a warm and embracing and talented comrade in arms. He always welcomed new employees to AOl , was a big part of the company’s success and he will be missed by all. RIP my friend. Ted Leonsis
Miss you and love you Marshall. Kat
Though I met Marshall working at AOL,,,,my memories of him are entirely unrelated to the workplace. I remember his genuine kindness, sense of humor(he made me laugh). A true “wise old soul” if ever there was one…
I met Marshall 30 years ago as a freshman in journalism school at Northwestern. He was probably the funniest person I had ever met. We wrote notes during class like kindergarteners. He threw some great parties and we went to plenty on fraternity row over the years. He shared my love of Christmas cards and I looked forward to that distinctive handwriting on my card every year mid-December. We tried to out-funny each other with our cards every year. I remember him telling me after grad school that he was working at a place called AOL when no one knew what that was. Good luck with that, I thought! We saw each other occasionally at reunions and he talked about his travels, his beach life and his passion for teaching. He sent me a LinkedIn request recently saying that you never know when it will help my career to be linked to a part-time high school teacher in Virginia. Our last email exchange was about our plans to come to our 30th NU reunion in October. He crammed so much into his life. He just didn’t get nearly enough time. Grieving for Marshall, his family and all of us whose lives have been so significantly touched by him. — Marcia Frellick
I knew Marshall in high school. What a nice guy. He was always friendly with everybody. i’m so sorry to hear of his passing.
The AOL family has lost one of our favorite sons. Rest well, Marshall … we’ll miss your smile and your laughter.
Words can’t even begin to describe all of Marshall’s contributions and achievements. Marshall has made a truly significant and lasting impact on my life and has given me a lot of inspiration and motivation to do what’s right. May Marshall live on in our minds and hearts.
When speaking of ones that we’ve lost through-out life, one of the most difficult things is reading or hearing “was”, the past tense of a former loved one. So, I won’t be making this anymore difficult then it has to be. Marshall has sub’d for various English classes of mine, but I think my most fond memory is when he was subbing for one of my old teachers, and since he had no class to teach and I didn’t have one to attend, I stayed in the classroom scrolling through Netflix, trying to figure out what to do next. Anything to put off work. So, seeing my need of entertainment he started a conversation on how he detested when producers took perfectly great books and turned them into crappy movies, ruining the whole experience for everyone. We spent the next hour and a half arguing about a number of movies from book disasters. Marshall has this way of speaking to another person and making them feel like what they were saying is important and necessary, and he always does it with great sass. This conversation sadly is one of the few memories I have with Marshall, not particularly as a student, but as one critic to another. I hope anyone who’s felt this loss in any way is able to think fondly of the witty, sassy and well said thoughts that Marshall had and cherish them. So, where ever you’ve passed onto Marshall, I hope you still get to criticize books made into movies.
When we were young and living in the same street, no Christmas was ever complete without Marshall coming over to make jokes about the cherished children’s Christmas craft project ornaments that my mother proudly hung on the tree every year. I often recall one evening spent with Marshall providing the voiceover to old 8mm films my father had taken when we were little – hilarious! He had that gift of being able to make you laugh until tears rolled down your face. Summers at the beach will not be the same without him. My sympathies to all his family and friends.
With deepest sympathy. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the Word of our God stands forever. Isaiah 40:8 Rest in the arms of the angels we will see you later.
Geeze Marshall … I really thought we would grow old together laughing all the way. I met Marshall back in ’90 at AOL. My first impression was that he was so dedicated to AOL and its success. I got to know who personally and was lucky enough to get to know him even better through the years. He always made me laugh. It appears to be a trend among the comments. Marshall had an incredible heart and I loved hearing his stories about the “kids” and all the great work they were doing. We had many late-night discussions about life & what we can do to change the world. He had such a passion for travel and adventure & I can only imagine how he brightened up the world as he toured about. You were robbed Marshall. We were too. You were a young thing … still “moist” and we’ll continue to celebrate your life this summer and beyond! 70’s tunes will be cranked & we’ll sing & dance with you! Much love to you and to your family & friends! Amy
We shared a lot of good times in high school. You will be surely missed. Scott Causey and now you. I’m sure a celebrations going on. Take care. Debbi
Working as together as youth adviors at Trinity Presbyterian was an awesome and lasting experience. Marshall’s enthusiasm and connections wth the teens was a wonderful thing to behold.
Marshall came to H-B Woodlawn to be a long-term sub for me when I was diagnosed with cancer in 2010. Liz Waters had recommended him as a friend and then I discovered that he’d gone to Yorktown H.S. and graduated the same year as my brother – 1979. He came in and covered my students, built a rapport with many of them and spent months in my place as I went through treatment and returned to work. I was and am ever so grateful that he was able to not only fill in for me during a crisis time, but he continued to build relationships with staff and students at H-B Woodlawn. He was loved by many and through his english elective courses, he got to know various students and how to reach those who may have learned a bit differently. I am honored to have known him later in life and that he joined our unique community. I wish his family peace and healing and students who were touched by him the same. Thank you Marshall for your time and commitment to our students. RIP
What sad, sad news this was for the volumes of friends who had their lives touched and enriched by you, Marshall. I still can’t quite believe that I’ll never get to see that sheepish twinkle in your eye as we share an old memory, inside joke, or snarky daily observation. I’ll never forget you explaining to me that you had planned to be a journalist, that Jean was going to be a lawyer, and he knew I wanted to work with art and museums, but despite all that we were all there at America Online and did I want to join the marketing team full-time because everyone in the group knew me and knew I fit it, and they kept interviewing people who just DIDN’T. It was a great endorsement for you to take a chance on me as I now realize how very, very young I was. Thank you so much for that. I am sorry we won’t get to share and create new memories together, but I will so cherish the ones that we built both in and out of the office. It wasn’t all good times, but when I remember back to what we shared, it will definitely bring a smile to my face. Much love to all the others who I know are suffering from this loss as well.
So sorry to hear of Marshall’s passing. He was a wonderful friend to all at AOL, such a hard worker and a delightful person. Always ready with a smile and a laugh; great sense of humor. Great memories; RIP Marshall.
I first met Marshall in his Hitchcock class at HB Woodlawn. From the start, I knew he would be a great teacher. He had a passion for Hitchcock films and movies in general. He always had something interesting to say about every movie we watched. He was a hug help in and ou of the classroom. I watched him as he helped many of my classmates and greatly appreciated the help he gave me. Even after the end of his Hitchcock class, he would still take the extra time to stop and say hi to me and see how I was doing in my other classes. Marshall peaked my interest in movies and its because of him that film has become one of the things I want to focus in in my future. Thank you for everything you’ve done Marshall. You will always be loved and remembered.
I only knew Marshall a short time at AOL but always remember him as “one of the good guys”. His dedication, passion, and love of life made him a pleasure to be around. You will be missed.
I only knew Marshall a short time at AOL but always remember him as “one of the good guys”. His dedication, passion, and love of life made him a pleasure to be around. You will be missed.
I knew Marshall in Yorktown High, he was friendly, and full of energy. After graduation, I was invited to a couple of gatherings at his beach home and other places. Marshall was so funny and told it like it was. I knew he would be a fantastic teacher because of his caring and creative nature, and he was! I will miss him . Juli O’Dea
Being a long term client of the firm Marshall became a part of our family. We enjoyed hearing about his travels. He loved teaching and cared about his students and their future. He was truly a genuine caring person. Reading all the guestbook entries confirmed what we already knew. It confirmed that many people had the opportunity to feel “that difference” he made in their lives. What a wonderful way to be remembered. Marshall, you made a difference in our world. Thank you! We will miss you but not forget you.
Marshall-You were way too quiet about all your accomplishments. You influenced so many young people in your short life, and all your old AOL cohorts! Who ever thought when all the Rens cousins would gather here at Grandma’s house, that 3 of you would be gone before your elders. We will miss your visits to Sun City West, and most of all, we will miss your smiling face. Rest in Peace, dear nephew. Love Always, Uncle Dick & Aunt Roberta
Marshall and I were friends in college. We met as undergraduates in the school of journalism and then attended graduate school together. In fact, in the summer of 1983 we were roommates in one of the “slum” houses in Evanston while we went to summer session. My friend Marcia, Marshall and I were close and spent a lot of time together. One memory that stands out in my mind is Marshall and I visiting Marcia’s apartment (probably to get away from the roaches at our house) and singing Manhattan Transfer’s “I love coffee” over and over again in three part harmony. I lost touch with Marshall after college since he headed east and I headed to San Francisco but I remember talking with him occasionally in his early days at AOL when he was working 24/7 and had a lot to say about it (you could always count on Marshall to speak his mind!). Marcia and I met up with him at our tenth reunion and I was happy to see some peace in his heart and to hear about his travels and new career. I think it is ironic that we both have left our marketing careers to pursue the passion of teaching. I was really looking forward to seeing him this fall and his loss will be felt by all of us. Marshall was a very special part of my Northwestern past and it has been comforting to see how many of us share similar stories about his love of animated discussions about the things he cared about. My condolences to his family and friends
Farewell my friend.
Uncle Larry, Aunt Shirley, Shelley, Brad, Jamie & families, My deepest heartfelt condolences to all of you for Marshall’s passing. I hope you find comfort and peace in your hearts with the memories of Marshall. He had the ability to light up a room and my soul whenever I had contact with him. Even though our recent contacts had been through FB and Christmas cards, he always brought smiles and laughter to my heart. His sense of humor is priceless! I use the present tense of “is” because I believe with all of my soul, he is here with all of us now and forever. He is pure, bright, radiant white light! Love and blessings to all of you, Lori & Jeffrey.
Marshall was one of the leaders of Trinity Presbyterian Church’s youth group during my time there. He was a wonderful role model: patient, smart, relatable, and never patronizing. This is a terrible loss for those of us who knew him, and even more so for the kids whose lives he hadn’t yet made better. My sincere condolences.
As a former colleague and friend of Marshall’s at Kiplinger, I was greatly saddened to hear of his passing. I enjoyed working with Marshall when he was in his early 20s. He was smart and on the ball. I enjoyed socializing with him, too. He was funny and charming, and a great dance partner. I offer my sincere condolences to his family, friends and more recent colleagues.
Mr. Rens was one of my favorite teachers in High School. I was inspired by his modesty about such a significant career, and his decision to give back to others through teaching. We typically re-connected every few years to catch-up over lunch, and I only just learned of his passing. I will miss him, and I offer my heartfelt condolences to all his loved ones. Dave McClure, Ph.D. Fairfax High School, Class of 2002