Early Life
Ernie Renzel was born as a third-generation resident of San Jose. His grandfather, Conrad Renzel, was a San Jose baker who gradually expanded his South First Street bakery into a grocery store in the 1860s. Renzel's father, E.H. Renzel Sr., further expanded the family business to a wholesale grocery distributor by the 1880s. Renzel Sr. would became vice president and manager of the family grocery firm, Keystone Co., by the turn of the 20th century.
Renzel was active in leadership activities while enrolled at San Jose High School. He served as student body president of the high school, joined the Rotary Club and held a perfect attendance record. Renzel was also an accomplished athlete during his early years and excelled at basketball, swimming and tennis. Renzel went on to study economics at Stanford University following his graduation from high school. He remained with the family grocery business after completing his degree at Stanford.
Renzel held a wide range of interests throughout his life including economics, athletics and classical Greek philosophy.
He was married to his wife, Emily Hillebrand for 63 years, until her death in 1999.
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