Renner D. Uecker

Renner Dean Uecker, age 23, passed away on April 11, 2026, surrounded by his family after suffering a sudden brain bleed.

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, with a 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service to follow, at the Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel in Watertown. The Prayer Service will be live-streamed and recorded on our website.

Renner was born December 11, 2002, in Mitchell, South Dakota, to Jason Uecker and Bobbi Gustafson. He was baptized at Letcher Lutheran Church. From the very beginning, Renner lived life with energy, curiosity, and a personality that could fill any room.

Renner grew up hunting, trapping, and fishing alongside his dad, brother Haeden, and his Grandpa Dick. Family often joked that he started trapping before he was even born, bouncing through fields as his mom rode along checking traps with his brother Haeden while he kicked and moved constantly. Renner never liked taking ADHD medication, once explaining that it made his “brain boring.” His mind was always active, always curious, always questioning the world around him.

As a child he loved food and treats. More than once he asked Santa for a simple can of pears. He was known to stash cereal in zip-lock bags and hide snacks inside his pillowcase “just in case he got hungry in the middle of the night.” He talked constantly, asked questions about everything, and loved one-on-one outings with his mom—especially when they involved crab legs, something she could easily be persuaded to order.  

Renner loved his siblings more than anything in the world.  He was the middle child so therefore he was best friends with both of them.  When his sister was born- he just fell in love with her.   He did everything she asked- even before she could talk.  From playing “Wahoo”- (very competitively) to hanging out with Haeden- playing ball and having absolutely crazy times that they have just recently shared with their mother— to making forts and made up games and of course tea parties with his sister- Renner was able to form life lasting, deeply loving relationships with both of them.  Siblings that go through rough times together form deep, deep bonds and seem to look out for each other more.  These three definitely were each other’s protectors from the world.  They were absolutely hilarious to watch banter in the family group chat.   Often times they would share ENTIRELY too much information with their mother.. or have Ruby chewing their asses for being late to a family holiday meal.   Renner would just smile, say “Oh Ruby” and sincerely apologize and all would be forgiven- because she knew he would be arriving shortly and with his own to go containers.  Renner and Haeden would team up on their sister  and pin her down and threaten to drool a string of spit on her face. Most of the time they actually did it because they didn’t slurp up fast enough, or they just thought it was funny,    When Ruby got her pink moped, Renner and all of his friends would go for joy rides. When Renner rolled it on gravel with Ruby on the back, his first words were “don’t tell mom”.   If fact, if he was ever in trouble with his mother, he would text her, “Why is mom mad at me?”  

A special part of his life was the bond he shared with his dad. Their relationship went  beyond that of father and son—they were best friends. Renner and Jason played pool before Renner moved to Florida. Renner and Jason would go bow fishing with Haeden, and hunting. These days are cherished. 

Renner and his “mommm” shared a bond that was built on unwavering trust, constant presence, and a deep understanding of one another. No matter what life threw his way, she was always the first person he turned to. Whether it was a call after wrecking his car, needing guidance, or just being goofy in the family group chat, their connection was constant and unshakable.

In lived in the little moments just as much as the big ones—laughing together about Haeden’s Santa gifts he found funny, asking for a razor in 8th grade-when he had no facial hair, writing resumes, or excusing his tardies when he overslept and couldn’t face the day without his breakfast pizza from Bryant Cenex. Even in the chaos of broken phones from dropped dumbbells, there was never frustration bigger than their love—just another moment where she showed up for him without hesitation.

He always knew, without question, that she had his back. And just as deeply, she knew he had hers. It was the kind of bond that brought comfort, laughter, and strength—a connection that doesn’t fade, because it was built into who they were to each other.

Some of his most cherished memories were raccoon hunts and the friendly competitions that came with them, including the famous challenge between Renner and Grandpa Dick in Sanborn County versus Haeden and his mom in Hamlin County. The photo from that hunt still sits as the cover picture on his Facebook page.

Renner loved the outdoors, dirt bikes, and anything that gave him the freedom to move. He enjoyed playing basketball for fun and often spent time at the Watertown Rec Center where he made lifelong friends. Later he developed a passion for lifting weights and proudly showed his grandma the results of his hard work—especially his “six-pack” and leg days. One of his funniest gym videos, sent around Halloween, showed him saying, “I hit legs so hard I’m seeing sh*t,” before panning the camera to reveal Patrick Starfish beside him.

Renner attended Hamlin School from kindergarten through ninth grade, with one memorable year in Clark during sixth grade where he learned that waking up at 5:30 a.m. was acceptable—as long as it meant getting to shoot hoops at the Field House with Mr. John Brown. He later attended Willow Lake High School and graduated from Willow Lake, proudly playing basketball for CWL and competing in two state championship tournaments.  His mother and sister became accustomed to being known as “Renner’s mom and Renner’s sister.”   

After graduation, Renner moved to Watertown where he lived with his brother Haeden and worked as a CNC machinist. He later moved to Sioux Falls with close friends and continued his machining career. His days often followed a perfect routine: work, Pancheros for food, and the gym. While in Sioux Falls he learned to play pool—partly because his brother was getting good at it, and Renner could never resist trying to do something just as well or better.

Eventually Sioux Falls lost its excitement, and Renner moved with friends to Florida, where he detailed yachts while continuing machining work. He took pride in everything he built and often sent videos to his family showing what he had made. On the drive to Florida he sent his mom videos of places he found beautiful along the way.  He also sent videos of the beautiful beach sunsets and palm trees.  Since visiting his beloved Florida residence, his family understands the appeal of Cape Coral, and knows how excited and proud he would have been to show them his beautiful home himself. 

In Florida, Renner worked two jobs, lifted weights daily, and turned the garage at his home into a makeshift pool hall where he and his roommates spent many nights playing. During games he would often FaceTime family—especially his grandma—so she could watch or just talk with him. His love for her was well known, and his friends even visited her in the hospital because they knew how important she was to him. His mother got the honor of playing a game of pool in the garage in Cape Coral with his brother Haeden while listening to some of his beloved songs on the speaker he “borrowed” from his sister a couple years ago.  

A quick look at Renner’s bank account would also reveal two other loves: Chinese food and 7-Eleven. According to his (very good smelling) friend Kaden Stoks, Renner walked into the house almost daily carrying orange chicken and rice, sometimes with three separate charges to the same Chinese restaurant in a single day.

Renner loved being connected to his family even from far away. During holidays he would FaceTime in, sometimes asking his mom to simply set the phone on the table so he could watch everyone talk and joke together. He loved listening to the chaos of family conversations. He also sent frequent videos from his drives through Cape Coral, admiring the palm trees and especially the Christmas lights wrapped around them. Renner appreciated beautiful things in life—scenery, adventures, friendships, and yes, women too.

On March 31, Renner flew home after learning his grandmother had been hospitalized following a car accident. Whether he quit his job or was fired for leaving early didn’t matter to him. Family came first. He spent four wonderful days with her, bringing food and treats, and even went to Walmart to buy a mirror, mac and cheese, and frozen peas so he could cook her something better than hospital food. While home he made sure to visit Pancheros every day.

On Friday evening he attended dinner at Brazilian Carnival to celebrate his sister Ruby’s “birthday” (which she jokingly claimed in order to get ice cream). Renner enthusiastically clapped along while the restaurant sang to her. Later he returned to the hospital to see his grandmother, leaving his bag and coat in her room before heading out with his friend Aden around 9 p.m. As he left, his mom jokingly told him, “Do NOT get in any trouble tonight—no fights.” Renner grinned and replied, “Mommmm… I don’t fight. I’ll just steal their women,” and walked out smiling.

About an hour and a half later Renner suffered a massive brain bleed. He was rushed to Sanford Medical Center, where he remained surrounded by his family for eight days before passing away. His family remains forever grateful to Aden for his quick action that gave them precious time to say goodbye.  (We love you Aden- you will be forever in our hearts as well.)

Renner was loved by an extraordinary number of people. The messages, photos, and memories shared by friends tell the story of a young man who left a powerful impact everywhere he went. Friends describe him as someone with unmatched energy, kindness, humor, and style. He loved his Jordan Retro 1s, his haircuts had to be absolutely perfect, and his camera roll contained countless photos of the back of his head making sure every line was clean before a night out.

Those who knew him say the same thing again and again: to know Renner was to love him. His smile was infectious, his personality unforgettable, and his presence impossible to ignore. His family found many tee shirts of his that had sayings such as “Slow Down, Only Good Vibes ..No Bad Days”  and “Summer Vibes- It’s So Easy to be Happy“….among others like ‘Mom Pleaser” which was more than likely about doing the dishes.   

Renner lived boldly and without fear. He traveled to Amsterdam just for the adventure. He chased experiences, friendships, laughter, and life itself. In only 23 years, he lived more freely and more fully than many people do in a lifetime.

Renner is survived by his parents, Jason Uecker and “Renner’s mom”--aka Bobbi Gustafson; his brother, Haeden Uecker; and “Renner’s sister”, aka Ruby Uecker. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Richard Baysinger, and his paternal grandfather, Jerry Uecker.

Renner’s family finds comfort in knowing that his life—though far too short—was full of love, laughter, adventure, and the countless lives he touched along the way.  He will “be here” in our hearts forever. Haeden said it best– every moment with Renner was a great moment. 

We are always going to be “Renner’s family”– it’s Renner’s world- and we are just living in it.- Ruby

Arrangements by Crawford-Osthus Funeral Chapel www.crawfordosthus.com Watertown and Hayti

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Renner D. Uecker, please visit our floral store.