Renae Lynn Proskovec was born January 13, 2005, in Fremont, Ne., to Jim and Sandi (Martens) Proskovec. From her early months of life, she was befriended and taken care of by many wonderful teachers, schoolmates, and staff members at Fremont Public Schools. She also had many amazing supporters in the community who rallied around her Relay for Life team, "Rock-and-Rollin' for Renae," which raised significant donations for cancer research. Everyone who met Renae adored her great sense of humor and silly attitude, her open-heartedness and big hugs, and her love for Disney princesses, Barbies, coloring, and the color pink.
Renae was born with Down syndrome and was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in 2008 when she was three years old. She underwent chemotherapy and was in remission for almost ten years. In January of 2018, the leukemia relapsed, and Renae underwent chemotherapy at Children's Hospital in Omaha, followed by a breakthrough immunotherapy treatment, Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, which she underwent at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City. The leukemia went into remission for several months but relapsed again in October of 2018, when she underwent a second round of CAR T-cell treatment. When that therapy was ineffective, she received a bone marrow transplant with cells from her older sister, Lexi, in February of 2019. By May the leukemia went into remission, but it relapsed again in June. Further treatments at Nebraska Medical Center provided her with several more months worth of playing, traveling, and parties. She benefited immensely from the fantastic care and incredible skill of devoted medical professionals throughout the many phases of her brave battle.
During a break in her treatments in July, Renae enjoyed a whirlwind tour of her favorite vacation spots, including Adventureland in Des Moines and Great Wolf Lodge in Kansas City. Her family also made the 22-hour drive to and from Disneyland in Anaheim, CA, so that Renae could ride the "It's a Small World" ride she had loved watching in videos on her iPad for years. She rode it a total of eight times over two days at the park. With the gift of a little more time from additional therapies, she was able to start her freshman year at FHS, make a return trip to Disneyland to see the park decorated for Christmas, and celebrate her 15th birthday with her friends at the Amazing Pizza Machine.
Renae is remembered most for helping people live their best lives by bringing more fun, jokes, color, "pranks," ice cream, one-liners, nicknames, dance parties, joy--and so much more love--into the world.
She was preceded in death by her grandpa, Larry Martens. She is survived by her parents, Jim and Sandi Proskovec; sisters Lexi and Katie; grandmother Sharon Martens; grandparents Jim and Jeanne Proskovec; aunts and uncles Jason Proskovec (Brooke), Jeremy Proskovec, Susan Martens (Ian), Steve Martens (Stacy); cousins William, Henry, and Samuel Martens; and a large extended family.
Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 14, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel, 1249 E 23rd St, Fremont, NE. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, 3200 Military Ave. Pastor Scott Jensen will officiate. Guests are invited to wear pink, orange, or bright colors to celebrate the things Renae loved. Memorials may be directed to the family.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(12)
Amber Carlson
Fremont, NE Thursday, February 20, 2020 My heart goes out to your family. I remember when Renae was just a baby so adorable always a bright smile. Take care. Thinking of you all.Brett Bayer
Columbus, NE Friday, February 14, 2020 Jim & Sandi:In these moments of loss, words are useless. God rest her soul in peace and the angels to always be there with you!
L. Verner
Fremont, NE Friday, February 14, 2020 Sandy, Sharon --I am so very sorry. Huge hugs and love sent your way.Grandma Sharon
Fremont, NE Friday, February 14, 2020 Sandi, Jim,Lexi and Katie,Oh, the wonderful memories we have to cherish because you gave us the joy and beauty of your amazing Renae(a.k.a. Taylor)! As she would always remind Grandma never to talk to strangers she would introduce herself to everyone she met and make new friends. She definitely colored our world and our lives a more beautiful place and taught us so much! Literally, all the Presidents, the solar system, the states and capitals, healthy foods, the entire Fremont High volleyball team and the world of Barbie and unicorns and the color pink. I'm convinced Grandpa Larry will be teaching her Morse code shortly and she too will be in touch with people everywhere. Because of her we will never forget Eugene or Jaelyn Proskovec! She made us smile and would want our tears to be happy ones as we remember each and every day we were blessed with this little angel was a true gift. We know Grandpa Larry and Shelley are dancing and enjoying her singing a Small World now and Heaven has just become more beautiful than ever!
Love you more,
Grandma J Sharon
Renee Weberg
Fremont, NE Thursday, February 13, 2020 Sandi,May care and love of those around you provide comfort and peace to get you through the days ahead. My most sincere condolences to the loss of your daughter.
Renee
Angelo Scanga
, NJ Thursday, February 13, 2020 Sandi,I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your daughter Renae.
Please accept our condolences and may our prayers help comfort you and your family in this difficult time.
Deepest sympathies,
Angelo Scanga
Martin Maners
Birmingham, AL Thursday, February 13, 2020 Although I never met Renae, I know Renae. I know that she was an absolute gift of God who was intricately, intentionally and perfectly made in her mom's womb. I suspect most, if not all, who met Renae experienced a young lady who gave us a glimpse of a Divine unconditional love and acceptance of which we all should aspire to. Renae was blessed to have a passionate, tireless and loving mom who was always fiercely her advocate, her protector, her provider and her friend. She was also blessed to live this life with the love of TWO awesome sisters, grandparents, friends and family. Lastly, as we all remember and/or celebrate her time with us on this Earth, let us rejoice in the hope of a reunion in Heaven where Renae is now... currently experiencing an ever increasing joy we cannot fathom and without the hindrances of physical or intellectual challenges of her earthly body. No doubt, Renae's impact and influence on the lives around her will last for generation to generation. Eternally grateful for Renae Proskovec.Tami, Liv Petersen and family
Harlan, IA Thursday, February 13, 2020 Lexi and family,Our prayers and sympathy for your loss.
We are so very sorry.
Love to you all.
Prayers, love and hugs,
Tami, Liv and family
Pat mauch
Fremont, NE Thursday, February 13, 2020 God bless you all, heaven gained a special Angel for sure, my prayers remain with all of you. May our Gods promises bring you comfort . Pat MauchErika Gannon Haag
Omaha, NE Wednesday, February 12, 2020 We are so sorry for your loss.Our deepest sympathy to the family.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Erika and Jerry Haag
Lisa Olsen
Omaha, NE Wednesday, February 12, 2020 Jim & FamilyWe are so very sorry for your loss. We are sending you all hugs and prayers. May Renae now rest in peace.
Love, Lisa & Zach Olsen
cindy
fremont, NE Wednesday, February 12, 2020 I did not know Renae, but she sounds AMAZING, I am sure she will be greatly missed. God Bless your family now and in the days ahead..