Keith Rentsman

Keith E. Rentsman, age 77, of Sidney, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, March 9, 2014 at his home. The son of Henry & Bernice (Tissue) Rentsman, he was born at home in Spencer Township on May 3, 1936. Following high school, he proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1960 until 1966 and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He had received many medals including Good Conduct, National Defense Service, and Rifle sharpshooter. Keith worked many jobs and had many occupations over the years, including many years as a heavy equipment operator with Russ Mach Excavating in Gowen. At the time of his passing he was employed at Huntington Foam, where he had worked for the past 17 years and was their most Senior Employee. A dedicated employee, he could never decide when to retire because he enjoyed what he did there and he never felt too old to quit. Year after year, he considered the possibility of retirement, but he could never bring himself to make this jump and continued on, always praising God for another year. Keith was quick to enter into a conversation with anyone with his jokes, smile, and faith. But Keith's greatest passion was God. Keith looked to God for his approval and lived his life telling whoever he met about how they could know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Whenever Keith was not at work or church, he was in some store in Greenville sharing with whoever he met how they could know for sure that they would spend eternity in heaven. Keith's life mission was to share the story of Jesus' death, burial, resurrection and the difference that could make in a life. There was no bigger purpose for Keith than this. His life was changed by God and he wanted the same for everyone he met. Keith did not hold onto his earthly possessions tightly, but he lived with his hands open to God and gave away what he earned to support many causes. Amongst the many things that he supported, was his support to his Church, many Missions and Missionaries, Charitable Organizations, and Christian Radio. Every Sunday afternoon, Keith ministered to and visited with the residents of Greenville Acres. He looked forward to spending time there and was faithful to do so, rain or shine. Their lives were a big part of his life and he considered them one of his mission fields. Keith lived loudly this verse, "Don't you know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God in your body." And if Keith was here today, he would want to make sure that you knew how Jesus could make this difference for you too. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, Duane Rentsman, and Merrill "Merl" Rentsman. Surviving are a sister, Carol Van'tHof of Gowen; a sister-in-law, Anna M. Rentsman of Gowen; a niece, Tracy Linder of Gowen; a great-niece, Jennifer & Nate Henry; and two great-great nephews, Hayden & Cason Henry, all of Highlands, Texas; his church family at Gowen Bible Church; and many dear friends and co-workers. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Keith Rentsman, please visit our flower store.