John George Rentschler, 81


John George Rentschler, 81, died November 4, 2013, surrounded by his family after a brief illness. He was a beloved husband, father, and brother. John was born June 17, 1932 in Chicago, Illinois to George and Elizabeth (Decker) Rentschler, the seventh of eight children. He was an avid team sport player in high school and was very proud of being his high school quarterback and a star basketball player. He married Joyce Fekkers on June 9, 1951 and fathered four children: Ronald, Robert, Robin, and Randall.
He was stationed at Holloman AFB and moved his family to Alamogordo in April of 1958. His service in the military included time served during the Korean War. After twelve years in the US Air Force, where he rose to the rank of Staff Sargent, he moved to a career with Civil Service. He worked as an inertial guidance system technician. He considered himself a cold-war warrior, contributing to such notable programs as the Saturn, Minute Man, Maverick, MX (Peace Keeper) missile systems. The weapons systems he contributed to helped to bring an end to the Soviet Union.
He married his current wife, Lydia, on December 13, 1980. Lydia and John enjoyed putting puzzles together, especially during the winter months. He was an avid pinochle player and spent many Wednesday afternoons at the Alamogordo Senior Center practicing the craft.
John had a very full and healthy life. He enjoyed hunting and spending time with friends and family at Elephant Butte, waterskiing as recently as his 81st birthday.
He is survived by his wife, Lydia, and children Robert and Susan Rentschler, Robin and Mike Haymes, Randall and Emma Rentschler, and stepson, Preston Craig. He is survived by his siblings, Frieda, Eleanor, Irene and his younger brother John (his other brother, John). He was preceded in death by his son Ronald, parents George and Elizabeth, brother Victor, and two sisters, Elizabeth and Cordelia. He is survived by 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and 1 great- great grandchild.
Memorial services will be held November 29, 2013, 2 PM at the Alamogordo Seventh Day Adventist Church located at 1000 S. Canyon Road in Alamogordo.

Direct Cremation has taken place under the care of PCS Direct Cremation Services.