Renee E. Pfleckl Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Renee Metzler Pfleckl possessed a rich timbre of emotions, knowledge, wisdom, and abilities. She was a mother who could soothe a child's pain like no other; sister who dedicated her childhood to raising her younger siblings and helping her overwhelmed mother; an animal and nature lover who valued a beautiful sunset more than tangible riches; wife dedicated to her husband of 47 years (more on him later); and an individual who was a voracious learner, artist, and dreamer. Renee was born (in Royalton, PA) into poverty on May 12, 1949 to William and Dorothy Metzler. At a young age Renee learned to clean, cook, and care for her three younger siblings while attending school. The challenges of life didn’t stop Renee from dreaming big and thinking beyond life’s constraints. Renee sought adventure and found it in traveling, horse riding, motherhood, dancing, and learning. In her later years when Renee’s physical abilities diminished, she found adventure in frequent ambulance rides to the emergency room (she enjoyed the pomp and circumstance of riding to the hospital and attention from handsome firemen). Highly intelligent, Renee was born into a time that little-valued education for women. That didn’t stop Renee from excelling in school and progressing to college where she earned the highest-ever score on her college’s admission exam for mathematics and accusations of cheating from her professors because “nobody does this well on tests.” To pay for her own way through school Renee got a job at a bra factory that she lovingly referred to as “the hottest damn place on earth.” To Renee, dreams were worth it and with her meager earnings she managed to pay for school (and a trip to Paris - a childhood dream that just couldn’t wait). She later went on to earn an Associates degree and continued studying art, history, gardening, and spirituality throughout her life. While in school Renee met and fell in love with Francis “Speck” Pfleckl, who impressed her with his penchant for rational Spock-like problem solving, Judo prowess, and frugality (including his uncanny ability to live off beans and rice, find almost-wearable clothing along the highway (he wore them) and swipe flowers from cemeteries and vacant lots then romantically present them to Renee as gifts). Renee and Francis enjoyed over 50 years together. Within the tough times, Renee and Francis centered on faith, love, and humor (dark, disturbing humor). At one point in their early marriage Francis and Renee, flat broke, were able to pay the rent but had no money for food. Having only a bag of flour they exclaimed, “Biscuits! We can make Biscuits!” Sadly, they made hockey pucks instead. Renee and Francis didn’t wallow in their struggle, they found love and humor in it… and also a game of hockey they played on the kitchen floor until they realized they still had to eat the biscuits. Renee dedicated her adult life to raising two incredible, talented, deeply humble children (at least one of them. The other is an up-and-comer we haven’t given up on yet). She taught them, with subtle comforting patience, to always do their best, take risks and fail, then “get back up and dust yourself off.” It’s no surprise then, that kids who spent most of their time jumping BMX bikes, shooting BB guns, and playing with illegal fireworks that injuries would happen. Renee’s once motherly affection and concern for hurt teeth and skinned knees evolved into a numb annoyance with major injuries. After the umpteenth (it’s a word in our family) broken bone from her kids, Renee once exclaimed “Seriously! Again! I’ll take you to the hospital after Guiding Light (her favorite soap opera).” At times, Renee and Francis found a break from the day-to-day. They could clear a dance floor as others moved out of the way to watch the type of graceful beauty only two people who loved each other could show (and because Francis had size 14 shoes and weighed 210 pounds - if he stepped on you it hurt). Renee loved being outdoors and in between working multiple jobs (house cleaning, telemarketing, artist, historical research, sales, etc.) she found peace gardening and adventure in horseback riding. She relished a vibrant garden and planted a variety of flowers to ensure something was always in bloom. We're convinced, however, that her love of gardening was a cover for her true passion - soaking unsuspecting family members with the hose. Renee was a prankster known for her ninja like abilities to spritz you with a garden hose when you least expected it. Cold outside, you’ll get spritzed. “Mom, please don’t spritz me,” you’ll get spritzed. “Is that Mom hiding behind the bushes?” - spritzed. Each spritzing injustice was preceded with a twinkle in her eye and followed with a mischievous giggle (Mom, you’ll be happy to know your spritzing legacy lives-on in your grandchildren). Renee understood that it’s easy to get caught up in the horizontal path of daily living (shopping, paying the bills, going to work). The vertical path of our soul’s evolution is the real reason we are here and Renee understood that we all have our own path to follow. A path prescribed by God that has twists and turns, joy and pain, mistakes and accomplishments, love and suffering. All work together to teach us, evolve our souls, and progress us down God’s path. She embodied that in her listening, counseling, and comforting presence. Renee’s arms and heart were always open and her words of assurance, encouragement and wisdom focused on the unique life we are all meant to live, full of experiences and learning. Burdened with chronic illness in her later years, Renee never stopped yearning for new adventures, adventures she vicariously lived through her children and grandchildren. Some may grow bitter and angry when faced with the challenges Renee endured, but she accepted and stayed focused on her path. The dark humor, snippy retorts, crazy stories from throughout life, love for her husband, and admiration for her children and grandchildren never stopped but grew. Renee’s urgent medical needs were often well timed to mess-up the holidays so the probability of her being born into eternal life five days before Thanksgiving was high (Christmas was the next open window). On November 21st, 2020 we had to say goodbye to Renee (also known as Ren, Mom, Sweets, Grandma, and Hey You). In her final hours Renee stayed true to her character, accepting her path and comforting those around her. To you mom, we’ll do our best to teach Dad some new jokes and keep him out of your hair for as long as we can.

Renee E. Pfleckl

May 12, 1949 - November 21, 2020