Benny George Rentschler Jr., age 60, of Miles City passed away on Wednesday, May 25, 2016 in his home.
Ben was born on April 2, 1956 in Marion, Ohio, the son of Benny Rentschler Sr. and Bertha (Jones) Rentschler. Ben grew up in Marion, Ohio. He stayed there till he was seventeen years old. During those first seventeen years, he lived in many places but was always able to be around his brother and sisters. Most of those years, he was taken care of by his grandmother, Ila Mae Jones. She was the light of everyone’s eyes, even Ben’s.
At the age of seventeen, Ben moved to Miles City, Montana. At this time, he finished high school, his only year of schooling here at CCDHS. While he had a short stay at CCDHS, he made many lifelong friends and became a huge staple in the Miles City community. Howard Green and Mike (Dee) Bickle were some of his greatest lifelong friends and these connections were held tight till the very last day. Ben was married to Barbra (Lynch) Strelow and during this marriage they had a son, Benny Rentschler III. In 1984, Ben met Debra, and in 1985 they were married. Thirty-one years of marriage, two kids (Toni and Eric), a nephew (Jeremy), and many neighbor children raised later, they were still together. They made a great home and did many things together they enjoyed.
His lifelong career was in the military and law enforcement, which is what he enjoyed. He was a law obedient citizen. He loved to make sure you were always doing your American duty and American right! Pine Hills Youth Corrections was his major Miles City career. This was more than a job, this was his career.
Ben is survived by his wife, Debra (Hofer) Rentschler of Miles City; children Eric Rentschler of Miles City, Toni (Rusty Jungles) Rentschler of Miles City, Benny Rentschler III of Washington, Jeremy Hawkins of Florida, his grandchildren: Harley, Elizabeth and Elliot of Miles City; and his aunt Rose Conley of Marion, OH. He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings, many aunts and uncles and a great grandmother.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 31, 2016 from 1:00-5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City. Military graveside services will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the Eastern Montana State Veteran’s Cemetery in Miles City with full military honors. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
James L. Arneson says
To Benny’s family, I am at such a loss for words. I served in the military with Ben and have such fond memories of training at the many bases we were sent to. My heart goes out to each of you. May God watch over you now and always. Go with GOD, Sarge, R.I.P my friend.
rick, nick , joey and rene ottoy says
To bens family, I am very sorry for your loss. I worked with ben at the airport inn way back in 1974 and at pine hills. I considered him as one of my best friends as he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. Ben loved his family and his friends and I know Jesus loves you ben. I will see you again friend.
Sherm Weimer says
Sure sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. He was already working at EMI when I moved here in 1980, and we worked together on many great woodworking projects in the woodshop there. He was a many of many talents, and had a gift for most things mechanical. I considered him a good friend, and like some else has already said, he would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it, he was that kind of a guy. He’ll be missed.
Bobbi Askin says
So very sorry to hear about Ben. I always enjoyed our visits. Many blessings to all his family. You are in my thoughts and prayers
Kelly Dodge Tarr says
I am sorry for your loss, Deb, Toni and family…such a shock.
Amy wright says
So sad.. He was a great guy to work with. I enjoyed his funny personalty.. He will be greatly missed
Mike and Deeon Bickle says
We hope all the good memories will help ease the pain of your loss! He will be missed!
Love and prayers!
Dee and Mike
Audrey and Greg says
So sorry to hear about your husband (Dad) Deb and family. My your memories help get you through the hard days ahead of you all. Big hugs and prayers.
Stephan & Annie Atkinson says
We are so sorry for your loss. Benny will be greatly missed.
You’re all in our thoughts and prayers.
Tracee Raymond & family says
Deb & Toni, I am so sorry to hear about Ben’s passing. You all are in my thoughts and prayers!
Barbara Lee Rice says
I attended high school with Ben. He was always very kind. So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with all of you.
Lisa says
I met Ben through his son benny. He always made me feel like I was one of his children. He was truly a wonderful man. He will be missed. So sorry for your loss
Duane "HITMAN" Hobbs says
Ben was a great Mentor. He built an Old radio for me . He also was a Great Employee with Pine Hills and helped me A lot in my short term working there. He will b greatly Missed.
Dave Little says
I have great memories of Ben from Elgin High School in Marion, OH. We ran cross country and track together. He was so dedicated to cross country one summer that he ran more than 500 miles in three months. We all admired his dedication and effort. I’m sorry for your loss.
Sandi Kohones says
I am so sorry for your loss. Many prayers for all of you!
Wendy Conklin-tucker says
Deb my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss. Ben will be missed by all. I am here for you and your family.
Jessica Driskell says
So sorry for your loss. <3
Swanson family says
Deb, Jeremy and Toni,
My deepest condolences. There are not many memories of my young days without Ben and your family. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Teauna and family
Abbie Herring says
Eric,
Your dad was such an influence on so many that were lucky enough to hold his company. We shared many a laugh, and I will never forget him and those cough drops… He is proof God takes the good ones first. Take care.
Russell E. Van Dyke says
Deb, Toni & Eric,
I’m so very sorry. When I met Ben he seemed about the the only sane one in a very crazy place, until I met Eric, and brought humor to what would have been a terrible job to many of us. His understanding of it brought light to many on both sides of that street. He will be greatly missed, not just by us but the entire community.
Russell E. Van Dyke
Sandi Updyke says
Deb and family, Our thought and prayers are with you all . God bless
Chris Sias says
My thoughts and prayers are with you Deb Toni Eric and Benny . You will be missed by many. Love you. Chris and Danny Sias Edison Ohio.
Darlene Russell says
Toni and family, so sorry about your loss, your such an asset to your family, I know you have such wonderful memories, that’s the greatest Darlene Russell
Barb Seibert says
Deb, Toni and family . I am so sorry to hear of Ben’s passing. You are in my thoughts.
Cindy Morris says
I remember working with Ben at EMI when I lived there from1984-1996. I enjoyed his sense of worth, and value. My sympathies to all.
Bonnie Derenburger says
Deb and family. So sorry to hear about Ben’s passing. Take care of yourselves at this time. sincerely, Bonnie.
Sandy says
So very very sorry for your loss. Ben was a wonderful man that if you knew him you had a friend for life… prayers to all…
Steve troiano says
So sorry for your loss Ben and i grew up together on milburn ave in marion ohio he was always a fun person to be around and a great friend I will always remember those days R IP Benny BIMBO You will be missed
June Nelson- Fillafer says
Deb & family so sorry for your loss. Will keep you all in my prayers. God Bless each of you.
Vanessa James says
deb and family …
my thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.Ben loved working on those old radios,im sure hes up in heaven doing the same…prayers
Vanessa James and family.
Kevin Hom says
The amature radio world will miss Ben! Always liked working with you and looking back on life and laughing. Ben, you could fix anything electronic and never tired of learning. Rest in peace friend.
Susan Moreno says
RIP Benny and the Jets!! The struggle is over, be free!! You were always such a nice guy!
Liz Smith says
Deb, Toni and Eric. So Sorry about your loss. will miss Ben , his smile and quick wit. I enjoyed sharing magic with him. He was so very patient with me. I learned alot with him.
Wanda Linnell Richlen says
Debbie and family I am so very sorry for your loss. I have many great memories spending time with you all. All the laughter that Ben would get going when we acted to serious. The times he would help me in the winter when I lived on Comstoc and the car wouldn’t star in the winter. Ben was a great guy. May God be with you all at this time, may he comfort you and give you peace Debbie Dad always said its not good bye but until you meet again. Love you all.?
Lance Bredvold says
Ben’s funeral is one which I ought not miss since he has been a great friend over many years. Thanks for sharing him, Debbie. Unfortunately I’ll be out of town on Wednesday but it certainly appears that there are a lot of people, like me, who would like to wish the family well.
Pam (Moths) Nisley says
My prayers go with all his loved ones~ I attended one class with him at CCDHS – Linda Birdwell ( now Polich) was our instructor – , he was always generous and very friendly! It blesses me to see the many posts, and the lives he touched in such a positive way! My prayers continue for all of you in the coming months~
John Kaze says
Deb and family I am truly sorry for your loss I have lots of fond memories with Ben not only on the job but personally too. I will miss him alot. My prayers are with you all.
Noreen Love says
Whenever I saw Ben, he always treated me as if We were great friends. I was involved with all parts of his family. He had such a special way about him. The same way I felt about his Mother and sisters.my prayers for comfort are with you.
Dallas & Marlys Taylor says
Deb, Toni, Eric & family of Ben,
So sorry for your loss. I have had you on my mind alot and have prayed for increased strength for you all during this rough time. Hope to see you soon. May God grant you His peace!
Karen & Jack Austin says
We were so sorry to hear to the loss of Ben. He always had a bright smile at work especially when he had the metal detectors out with the kids. It was like watching a little kid on a treasure hunt and the boys had just as much enthusiasm as Ben did. We will miss him greatly. You’re all in my thoughts and prayers.
Jan Munroe says
Toni, my sincerest condolences on the loss of your dad, way too early. Jan
Larry and Denise Sweet says
Deb and family
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
DeAnna Anderson says
Deb, Toni & family ,
I just learned of Ben’s passing & want you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Laura Lee Beeler says
Rentschler Family:
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Benny’s passing. He was a dear friend of my Blake. I loved to hear all the stories when they would visit. Having lost my amazing husband and my father, I can well understand the depth of your loss. No words of sympathy can help much right now, but had to let you know that you are all in my thought s and prayers during this most difficult time. My most sincere deepest condolensces.
Hassell Painter says
I remember Benny well from the Guard. He was a good man and he will be missed by all.
Russell Gaskins says
I grew up with Ben and his younger brother Ronny sisters Becky and Bonnie they were like brothers and sisters to me .I moved to Florida started thinking about all of them recently to find out they are all with GOD. I will miss them all dearly BUSTER
David Clunk says
My condolences
Elizabeth Rentschler-Jungels says
I will alas love you no made what
Love you Pepa
Tucker says
Friend Ben, RIP