Joseph (Joe) Lee Rennick
Joe “Diffie” Rennick, 57, of Billings, MT passed away July 17, 2026, in Billings, MT of natural causes with loved ones at his side.
Born February 1, 1969, in Glasgow, MT to Bob and Donna Rennick, Joe grew up flanked by his older brother Bob and younger brother, Tim. The three boys were raised on love and discipline, as they didn’t have much of anything else.
In addition to learning some things the hard way, Joe did gain some more formal knowledge while attending school in the Glasgow School District.
Joe married Jamie Orr in 2000, and although they divorced later on, they remained close. With the marriage, Joe gained a daughter, Maverick and he cherished every moment with her.
Joe spent most of his adult years working at Milk River, Inc. and as a DJ with Dave and Marie Pippin. He also worked as an ITV Technician and at AWARE before medical issues forced him to move to Billings for the last two years of his life.
Music was very important to Joe and he could play just about any instrument he put his hands on. He was a member of the 4th Street Band, which was founded in Glasgow. He had a fondness for older cars and the San Franciso 49ers. In addition, he loved the outdoors and recently renewed an interest he had in painting.
He was a jokester and enjoyed being around others. One of his favorite pastimes was people watching. It wasn’t unusual to find him at a gathering, sitting at a table on the edge of the room, quietly contemplating the activity going on around him. He had a dry sense of humor and could make a statement with just the lift of an eyebrow.
Joe was kind to everyone, loving unconditionally with his forgiving heart. He built and maintained long-lasting relationships, often at the expense of his own mental well-being. He was always just a phone call away – often with no questions asked – and he had a knack for fixing things, if needed. He would do anything for anybody – seldom without compensation or recognition. His final act of kindness was the decision to donate some of his organs to help others.
Like his brothers, Joe suffered with and from long-term medical issues for several years. He seemingly took it all in stride, showing no outward signs of self-pity or withdrawal from life.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents and both of his brothers. Although Joe outlived his immediate family, he is survived by a large extended family and innumerable close friends, including Jamie and Maverick Rennick and Toby Glasoe and Dalton Kautz.
Cremation has taken place. No formal services are being planned, but there will be a celebration of life sometime in the future.
Joe would, however, be pleased with a small firework display in his memory.
The family requests any donations be made in his memory to Special Olympics or the charity of your choice.
