Kimberly L. Rentschler, 57, of Manheim Twp. passed away on Saturday, November 11 at Lancaster General Hospital from complications of a 45-year struggle with anorexia. She was born September 2, 1966 at the Reading Hospital, the daughter of Rochelle V. (Behney) Rentschler and David M. Rentschler. Her sister Melissa (Rentschler) R Kingsley and husband, Dirk were very close to her and provided loving support to her through the years.
Kim loved all animals and over the years was devoted to her pet Labradoodle Dreyfus, her bunnies Brinkley and Spencer, and her guinea pig. She even named the groundhog that lived in her back yard Nibbles.
Kim graduated from Manheim Twp. in 1984. She was scholarly, being accepted into the Gifted Program in third grade, John Hopkins Precocious Youth program in seventh grade, and graduated with a BS in Business Administration from Albright College Summa Cum Laude. At Albright’s Commencement she received the Lee award. Prior to enrolling at Albright, she earned an Associate Degree at Harrisburg Community College. Kim loved both music and sports. She learned to play the piano in fourth grade and by eighth grade was making up her own compositions. In fourth grade she also began the flute and played with the school instrumental organizations through high school. Kim especially liked Marching Band. As an athlete, Kim participated on the school’s girl basketball team from seventh through 10th grade. Her real passion was distance running and she could be seen jogging in the neighborhood in elementary school. She ran Cross Country and Track in tenth and eleventh grades earning an individual state qualifying time at Districts and leading her team to states. She also ran the Red Rose Run a couple times and won the first Belair Fun run.
During her career Kim had many different jobs from the fast-food restaurants, to waitressing, and as an assistant manager of Chi Chis restaurant in Reading. She also was a financial planner working with banks, Miller and Miller CPA and during that 15-year career at Prudential and ending with Morgan Stanley.
Kim was an avid Letters to the Editor writer and particularly liked to write a top 10 humorous Christmas list. During election years she created many quips and musings called her “Writes of Passage” about politicians and politics in general. Some of her many musings were…”Naked Truth”…Unfortunately, the latest budget proposal was so “stripped” down, it had to be cited for public indecency, or, “Bar None”….The computer system at Hershey Park had a virtual meltdown last week. Regrettably, someone installed “chocolate chips.” One more …
“Mopping UP”…Perhaps Congress should hire Armstrong to replace the “House” floor. Better yet, maybe they can put a “ceiling” on our debt. Kim was active with the Lancaster Democratic Party and always supported their candidates with signs in her front yard.
In addition to her parents and sister, Kim is survived by her aunt Thelma Behney, an uncle Linwood Behney and his wife Shirley and son Eric, an aunt, Mary Jane Behney and daughter Cindy, and uncle Neal Siegfried. She was also was close to the Moll sisters. Deceased were grandparents Paul and Mary Rentschler and John and Mabel Behney, aunt, Mary Ellen Siegfried, uncle, John Behney, and cousin Bobby Behney. Kim was especially grateful to Grandview Church Pastors Andrea Brown, a HS classmate, and Jane Dutton, who became her best friends as her condition progressed.
A private burial was held at Long’s Memorial UMC, Neffsville, PA. In lieu of flowers a donation to Grandview church or a charity of your choice would be Kim’s wish. To leave an online condolence please visit: www.DeBordSnyder.com
Michael and Virginia Young says
Rentschler Family – We are so sorry to hear of Kim’s passing. As her third grade teacher at Schaeffer Elementary, I knew she was a special person. She always had a quick smile, and yes, she was a very bright little girl. Over the years, as Michael worked with Dave in education, I would ask how Kim was doing or what she was up to with her many interests. I enjoyed reading her witty letters to the editor. We hope she has found peace and the family may find comfort in her loving memories in these difficult days ahead.
Michael and Virginia Young
Dick and Marge Trout says
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family in the passing of Kim, She is now at peace and reading her obit she was extra special in so many ways
We are so glad that Andrea and Jane brought you some comfort during the last days..
Gail Anderson Murray (Wharton Elementary teacher and E.R. Martin alum) says
Thinking of you and your family during this most difficult time! The pain of losing a child is unimaginable but may the thoughts and prayers of others give you some comfort. Praying for you and your family!
Pat Yeager says
We were sorry to learn of Kim’s passing. She greeted us many times as she walked down the street with Dreyfus. We are sending condolences and prayers. Pat and Bob Yeager 422_Surrey Drive
Pat Yeager says
We were sorry to learn of Kim’s passing. We shared friendly greetings many times when she walked by our house with Dreyfus. We are sending sincere condolences and prayers to your family. Pat and Bob Yeager 422_Surrey Drive
Darrell Yoder says
Love to all of you as you continue to celebrate Kimberly’s life and mourn her death.
Beth A. Hough says
My condolences to the Rentschler family.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ken Husler says
Dear Rentschler Family–
Please accept my sympathy and heartfelt sorrow for the loss of Kim. She was a wonderful person in SO many ways. As her music teacher, I remember her early years playing the flute at Bucher Elementary, and of course her progression through the MT music programs. She was a very dedicated, determined, and passionate member of the high school band organizations. With love and respect…..
Kathryn Wickenheiser says
To Dave and all of the Rentschler family,
We were sorry to hear about the loss of Kim. While we didn’t know her personally, she was a special person in many ways. May your family memories sustain you in your grief and help you to find peace. Thinking of you,
Kate and Mike Wickenheiser
Amy Spiegel Wolverton says
Dear Rentschler Family,
I was so sad to hear about the loss of one of my former classmates at Manheim Township!
I didn’t know Kim well-enough to say hello in the hallway’s. I love people with a quick wit, and those who love animals. I wish I had known her better.
I’m so sorry that she dealt with such a difficult diagnosis for so many years. She sure made her mark on the world with her brilliant mind, writing skills, and love for her pets.
I am keeping your family in my prayers. I will be making a donation to the SPCA in Kim’s memory.
With love and Sympathy,
Lana Flores says
I am so sorry for your loss sending prayers for your family during this difficult time
Angela Moshos says
Dear Rentschler family,
I am very sorry for your loss. I knew Kim from Schaeffer Elementary school and up through high school. She was so smart and witty. I enjoyed reading her letters to the editor. I am very sorry she struggled with this disease. She is at peace now. May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead.
May her memory be eternal.
With love and sympathy,
Angela Leshinskie Moshos
Evie Sullivan says
I was sad to see the obituary in the Sunday paper. I knew Kim from the Prudential Bache days and the friendship continued after that time. She was an absolute dear and a great and smart person. I am thankful that I experienced the time with her and her great sense of humor