Gerald Charles Rentschler

Gerald Charles Rentschler, age 84, of Laurel, MD passed away on March 30, 2017 at the Gilchrist Hospice Center of Howard County in Columbia, MD.

Gerald was born on May 21, 1932 in Jacksonwald, PA to the late Charles Elias Rentschler and the late Thelma Caroline Rentschler (nee Strassburger).  Gerald attended Muhleberger Township High School and graduated in 1950.  After high school, Gerald workded in stone quarry from 1950-1951, then went to work for Hopper Paper Company from 1951-1952.  In 1952 he was drafted into the army where he service honorably until his discharge in 1954.  While in the army Gerald spent time in Alaska traing to be in the signal corps.  After his discharge he put  his army training to use as an electrical technician for the Department of Defense.  Gerald retired from his position with the federal government in 1988.  Gerald was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing and trapping.

Gerald and his wife were active members of Harvester Baptist Church in Ellicott City, MD and have been members since 2005.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Juanita Jean Rentschler and two sisters; Karen Lynne Garette of Temple, PA and Linda Jean Cosntino of Wyomissing, PA.  He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.  Gerald was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Alan Lee Rentschler.

A visitation will be held on Monday, April 3, 2017 from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM at the Donaldson Funeral Home, P.A., 313 Talbott Avenue, Laurel, MD 20707.  The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at the Harvester Baptist Church, 9605 Old Annapolis Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042 beginning at 10:00 AM.  Interment with Military Honors will follow the funeral service at Ivy Hill Cemetery in Laurel, MD.

If desired donations may be made in Gerald’s name to Harvester Baptist Church at the above address.