Monte L. Rentschler

Monte L. Rentschler, 61, of La Crosse, Wis., died Saturday, November 26, 2016, at Bethany Riverside, La Crosse, Wis. He was born in Guttenburg, Iowa, on October 12, 1955, to Lloyd and Bernadine (Smock) Rentschler. He married Sue Hensing on September 15, 1979, at Saint Mark’s Catholic Church, Iowa Falls, Iowa.

He attended Edgewood-Colesburg High School graduating in the Class of 1974. He received his Associate Degree in Heating and Air Conditioning, and worked for Lenox of Marshalltown, Iowa and then was employed by Bourns of Ames, Iowa. He and Sue moved to La Crosse, Wis., where he began working in the Research and Development Lab for Trane Co. He was employed in the Lab for 25 years, until his health began to fail. Monte was a member of Mary, Mother of the Church and their Men’s Club. He and Sue were the Lord and Lady for Mardi Gras in 1993. He was a member of the Aquinas Booster Club, a Member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #839 where he held several offices, including Grand Knight for two terms. He was also a Member of the 4^th Degree Bishop Schwebach Council #1195 La Crosse, Wis., Boy Scouts of America and a Trane Co. 25 Year Member.

Monte was a wonderful husband and father. He led by example and believed in giving back to an organization or community by volunteering. Whether it was at the Fish Fry on Friday at the KC Hall, working at a Steak Dinner, or being in charge of a Smelt Fry at their Parish Fundraiser, Monte was happiest when his children worked alongside of him. Monte loved spending time with family and friends and among his happiest moments were their annual summer vacations with family. He felt that it was a great learning opportunity for the children.

He is survived by his wife; Sue and their children; Ann (Casey) Abing, Thomas (Katie) Rentschler, four beautiful grandchildren; Theodore and Adelaide Abing, Russell and Henry Rentschler. He is also survived by his sister; Linda (Lorace) Amling, his brother; Randy (Carol) Rentschler. He is further survived by a brother-in-law; Richard Hensing and sister-in-law; Tjodie (Karl) Ehlers. He is survived by three nephews and five nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Bernadine Rentschler and his in-laws, Russell and Cleva Hensing.

A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM Thursday, December 1, 2016, at Mary, Mother of the Church Parish, 2006 Weston St., La Crosse, Wis. Rev. Brian D. Konopa will officiate with burial to be held in the Catholic Cemetery, La Crosse, Wis. Family and friends may visit from 9:30 AM until the time of Mass in the church on Thursday.

To the staff at Bethany Riverside, your kindness and cares for Monte will long be remembered. A special thank you to a family friend; Ginny Matysik, who cared for Monte with wit, wisdom, and compassion when her skills were called upon while he was living in our home. To Tjodie and Karl, our deepest gratitude to you for being with us every step of the way. You’ve honored your promise to keep his spirit alive.

The Blaschke & Schneider Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements.

Memorials are preferred to Mary, Mother of the Church Building Fund, The Boy Scouts of America, or the Humane Society.

Forever rest in peace, my dear, you have earned it!