Merrill Rentsman

Merrill L. Merl Rentsman, age 71, of Gowen, passed away Saturday, January 25, 2014 at Spectrum Health-United Hospital, Greenville. The son of Henry & Bernice (Tissue) Rentsman, he was born on June 21, 1942 in Greenville and was a proud veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps having served in the early years of the Vietnam war. For over 30 years, Merrill worked at R.J. Tower Automotive and enjoyed buying, restoring, and collecting old cars as a hobby. He loved all animals, especially his special dogs, and will be remembered by his family as a jack of all trades always willing to help others. He was a member of the Ray I. Booth American Legion Post 101. On September 3, 1983, in Greenville, he married the former Anna Mae (Gruber) Vanderlip and together they enjoyed over 30 years of marriage. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Duane Rentsman; and a son, Randy L. Vanderlip. Surviving are his wife, Anna M. Rentsman of Gowen; children, Teresa & Kim Petersen of Greenville, Bill & Jody Vanderlip of Gowen, Daniel Vanderlip & sandy Sinclair of Sheridan, and Ken & Vickie Vanderlip of Lowell; a sister, Carol VantHof of Gowen; a brother, Keith Rentsman of Sidney; twelve grandchildren; twenty-three great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews, including special niece, Tracy Linder, and great-niece, Jennifer. Visitation is from 12-1 p.m. on Wednesday at Christiansen Cremation & Funeral Care, 511 S. Franklin Street, Greenville, where funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday. The Rev. Jerry Jones, pastor of the First Congregational Church, will officiate and military honors, rendered by the U.S. Marine Corps, will conclude the ceremonies. Burial will take place in the spring at Spencer Mills Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Merrill Rentsman, please visit our flower store.