Former Chesterton,
IN resident, Michael A. Rentschler, passed away on July 24 in Duarte, Calif.
at the age of 53.
Michael lived a
life of exceptional kindness, integrity, and humor. He bravely fought a
battle with AML leukemia.
Michael is survived
by his two children, Kaname Rentschler, 8, and Sei Rentschler, 5, both of
whom reside in Omachi, Japan. He is also survived by his mother and
stepfather, Mrs. LaVerne Montague and Mr. Ron Montague, of Valparaiso, IN;
as well as a brother, William Rentschler, also of Valparaiso, IN; three
sisters: Susanne Rentschler-Steyer of Franklin, TN; Brenda Rentschler of
Visalia, CA; Alisha Arama of Valparaiso, IN; two step-brothers: Greg
Montague of Orlando, FL, Mark Montague of Chesterton, IN; a step-sister,
Michelle Montague of Valparaiso, IN; two uncles, Carl J. Rentschler of
Ranchos Pales Verdes, CA, and Quintin Dillinger of Porter, IN; two cousins,
Paul Rentschler and Matthew Rentschler; 12 nieces, four nephews, two
great-nephews and a great-niece as well as many friends and colleagues.
He was preceded in
death by his father, Paul A. Rentschler, aunt Paula Rentschler, and both
paternal and fraternal grandparents.
Michael was born on
November 23, 1965, in Valparaiso and graduated from Chesterton High School
in 1984. After graduating from Indiana University with a degree in
Communications in 1989, Michael resided in Chicago, working for Aon Corp.,
while pursuing his lifelong passion for music. He played guitar in a variety
of local bands while also producing a slew of solo recordings. In 1998,
Michael moved to Los Angeles, CA, to further pursue his musical career. With
a keen melodic sense, Michael’s music has been described as intricate and
“Beatle-esque” and his long-time producer, Jack Wilson, lauded his
recordings as “dense and textured”. The album he was recording at the time
of his passing, “Urban Love’, will be released posthumously. While pursuing
his musical career, he made a foray into stand-up comedy, performing at the
world-famous Comedy Store, as well as the Laugh Factory in LA. Standing at
6’8”, he combined physical comedy with an observational comedy that
chronicled the offbeat and the unusual of everyday life.
Michael is
remembered by his friends and family for his great warmth, his tremendous
humor, and his dedication to his children. There is no way to adequately
express what Mike meant to us and how profoundly he will be missed.
Visitation will be
held on Friday, August 9, 2019, at Edmonds and Evans Funeral Home, 517
Broadway, Chesterton, IN 46304, from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Funeral services
will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, 2019, at the Funeral
Home. Graveside service immediately following at Chesterton Cemetery.