Renate Parmele

Renate Kostrowa Parmele, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at home in Cherryvale. She was 90.

She was born on February 12, 1936, in Wallrabenstein, Germany. Renate attended school in Germany before eventually making her way to the United States. Her long life carried her from her beginnings in Germany to the home she made in Cherryvale, where she spent her final days. 

While living in Wiesbaden, Germany, Renate was united in marriage to Paul Buffington. The couple later divorced. She later married Joe Parmele in Wichita, Kansas, they shared their lives together until his passing in 1985. 

Throughout her working years, Renate worked as a retail interior designer, where she was able to use her creativity and eye for design. In her free time, she enjoyed sewing and ironing and had a special love for flowers. These simple pleasures were an important part of who she was and brought her much enjoyment throughout her life.

Renate was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Parmele; her son, Jimmy Buffington; and her daughter, Patty Steffen-Obermier. Their memories remained an important part of her life and of the family who loved her.

She is survived by her daughter, Tamme Lewis (Derby, Kansas); her sister, Ruth Kostrowa Schütz (Germany); and her brother, Jürgen Kostrowa (Germany).

Renate will be remembered with love by her family and by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort and peace to those mourning her passing.

Cremation has taken place at Wickham Family Funeral Home in Cherryvale, Kansas.