Ronald M. Rentner died on November 15, 2025, at the age of 80 in Grass Valley, CA., with family. Yes, he died. As a Lutheran pastor, it was important for him that we understand death is a reality and we can use the word “death”, with the confidence that we will be called home to a new life in God’s presence. He was born on November 26, 1944, and baptized in April 1945, in Milwaukee, WI. Ron was the first child born to Malcolm A. C. Rentner and June (nee DeVoll). He was close to his three siblings, Marlowe, Rich, and Melissa.

Much of Ron’s early life was lived in Southern California. At age 15, he followed the call to Lutheran ministry, studying first in Oakland, CA, and then at Concordia Senior College, Ft Wayne, IN, and Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO. Academic achievements included a Master of Arts in medieval history (St. Louis University) and a Master of Divinity Degree (Concordia Seminary), both in 1971. 

In the first year of college, Ron met the love of his life, Miriam Yvonne (nee Borkey). They were married in 1967 and enjoyed raising a family of three children and two foster daughters who became family. They also invited over 80 international immigrants, students, and friends into their home during their lives, including two unofficial foster boys who joined the family for a time. 

Ron served as a pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) at Grace Lutheran, River Forest, IL, Grace Lutheran, El Cerrito, CA, Lutheran Community of the Resurrection, El Cerrito, Lord of Mercy Lutheran, Sparks, NV, missionary to the Iglesia Luterana Agostina de Guatemala, All Saints Lutheran, Novato, CA, St. Stephens Lutheran, El Dorado Hills, CA, and the International Church of Copenhagen, Denmark. He also spent time researching in Hungary. 

Ron took great pleasure in serving non-profit ministries, including as executive director of Kairos Unlimited, Inc (a residential treatment facility for abused teen women), president of El Cerrito Senior Homes, board chair and president of Elder Care Alliance (a large California operator of assisted living, SNF, and memory care facilities), executive director and legislative advocate for Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Nevada and Religious Alliance in Nevada, member of the synod council of the Sierra Pacific Synod of the ELCA, chair of Nevada Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (the umbrella group for Red Cross, Salvation Army, and church groups responding to disasters), the Nevada Preliminary Disaster Assessment Team, Habitat for Humanity (Reno, NV), treasurer of Bethel Housing (Sparks, NV), and treasurer of Spokane Urban Ministries (a builder/operator of low income rental housing in WA).

One of Ron’s great passions was designing new models in affordable housing for low income and immigrant residents. With Yvonne as a cherished companion, they also fought tirelessly to bring awareness and relief to devastating political and economic strife in Central America, starting in the 1980’s. 

Ron leaves behind his very special wife, Yvonne, and children Jill Valdez (Anthony), Joel Rentner (Jennifer), and Gwen Brandenburg (Justin), along with 10 grandchildren. Foster daughters Akberet Negash and Luwam Yifter became members of the family, as well. His three siblings survive him, along with a large extended family and his many church families. But Ron’s earthly family is not limited to this short list.

A memorial service was held on Dec. 13, 2025, at Peace Lutheran Church, Grass Valley, CA 95945. In lieu of flowers, gifts would be appreciated for Lutheran World Relief (give.lwr.org) or International Rescue Committee (help.rescue.org).