26 Facts About Ernie Renzel

Ernest H Renzel was an American politician who served as the mayor of San Jose, California, from 1945 until 1946.

Ernie Renzel was known as the "Father of the San Jose International Airport" for his work in establishing a major airport in the city.

Ernie Renzel's grandfather, Conrad Renzel, was a San Jose baker who gradually expanded his South First Street bakery into a grocery store in the 1860s.

Ernie Renzel served as student body president of the high school, joined the Rotary Club and held a perfect attendance record.

Ernie Renzel was an accomplished athlete during his early years and excelled at basketball, swimming and tennis.

Ernie Renzel went on to study economics at Stanford University following his graduation from high school.

Ernie Renzel graduated from Stanford in 1929 and remained with the family grocery business after completing his degree at Stanford.

Ernie Renzel held a wide range of interests throughout his life including economics, athletics and classical Greek philosophy.

Ernie Renzel married Edwina Ewing in Carmel-by-the-Sea in May 1929.

Ernie Renzel then married Emily Hillebrand in Reno, Nevada on November 22,1935.

Ernie Renzel became an important advocate for the establishment and development of a new airport to serve San Jose and the surrounding region.

In 1939, Ernie Renzel led a group that negotiated an option to buy 483 acres of the Stockton Ranch from the Crocker family, to be the site of San Jose's airport.

Ernie Renzel led the effort to pass a city bond measure to pay for the land in 1940, which passed, in order to pay for the land acquisition.

Ernie Renzel presided over the civic celebration commemorating the first airline flight.

Ernie Renzel remained actively involved in the airport, even after its expansion from a municipal airport into San Jose International Airport.

Ernie Renzel served as airport commissioner from 1969 until 1977.

Ernie Renzel oversaw much of the expansion of the airport during his tenure as commissioner.

Ernie Renzel was introduced to city politics during World War II.

Ernie Renzel was elected in 1944 and was selected as president of the San Jose city council in 1945.

Ernie Renzel remained mayor until 1946, when he was succeeded by Al Ruffo.

Ernie Renzel remained in the city council for just one term in office.

Ernie Renzel spent the rest of his career as a "low-profile" citizen of influence in the larger San Jose community.

For example, Ernie Renzel used his influence to purchase a property in the 1960s for the San Jose Historical Landmarks Commission's historical museum.

Ernie Renzel was actively involved in several San Jose metropolitan area and Santa Clara County nonprofit groups throughout his lifetime.

Ernie Renzel served on the board of directors for such organizations as the San Jose Hospital, the Santa Clara County Civil Grand Jury and the Santa Clara County Housing Board.

Ernie Renzel died on September 15,2007, at his home in San Jose.