Renel Ann Nordeman, 62, of Hydesville, passed away at home with her husband Tom, brother Zane, sister-in law Shelly and corgis Jett and Ruby by her side. She battled aggressive metastatic melanoma.

Renel, a lifelong resident of Humboldt County was born in Eureka to Robert G. and Jeanne M. MacDonald. She attended local schools, graduating from EHS in 1978. She worked in office banking at Pierson’s Building Center & bookkeeping for the Minor Theatre Corp. For the last 14 years, Renel was a valued colleague at College of the Redwoods, with the last five years as a payroll technician.

Renel and her husband Tom met when both worked at Pierson’s. They were married for over 40 years. She and Tom enjoyed traveling around the United States visiting horse ranches, National & State Parks, attending professional football and baseball games, concerts and plays.

Renel loved all animals big or small. She received her first horse at the age of 13, a birthday gift from her parents. It was this experience that cemented her lifelong passion for breeding & raising many beautiful horses throughout the years, with special focus on Arabians. She was a longtime member of the Arabian Horse Association and a active member of the Arabian Horse Association of the Redwoods.

Renel is predeceased by her mother Jeanne M. (Patterson) MacDonald. She is survived by her husband, Thomas D. Nordeman Jr, who was her caretaker during her illness, her father Robert G. MacDonald, sister Shel (Pat) Barsanti, brothers Zane (Shelly) MacDonald, Ty MacDonald, Rod MacDonald, mother-in-law Rita Walden (Hamilton, OH), brother-in-law Daniel Nordeman (Cincinnati OH), aunt Kay (Angelo) Ferro (Reno NV), close friends Tony & Lori McLean (Oakhurst CA) and the Evans family (Carson City).

Renels family would like to thank the St Joe Comfort Care, palliative care and Hospice for their support.

A Celebration of Life for Renel, which will include a BBQ and a horse mount dedication, will be held on Saturday August 6, 2022 at Cuneo Creek Horse Camp. All family and friends are welcome. For further information and to RSVP, please contact Charlene Rayl at (707) 407-8081.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Sequoia Humane Society.

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The obituary above was submitted by Renel Nordeman’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.