“Immigrants are essential and beloved parts of the fabric of this country and of our congregations,” said Rev. Amy Reumann, ELCA Witness in Society Senior Director. “God grieves the sin of violence. We grieve violence against National Guard staff and pray for their safety and recovery and healing for their families,” she continues in this Interfaith Immigration Coalition press release. “We also grieve violence against the millions of our immigrant neighbors who have suffered unprecedented attacks on their rights, dignity, and family unity. We pray for their safety and well-being. An indefinite pause on asylum applications, a halt to immigration benefits for Afghan nationals, and an entrenchment of a travel ban does not make our nation safer. Instead, it sows fear and uncertainty into the lives of people who have fled their country because of fear of persecution and violence, as well as their communities in the U.S. that have welcomed them. Asylum and immigration processing must resume immediately, without prejudice based on nation of origin.”
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).
Church councils carry big responsibilities—navigating differing views, complex decisions, and the call to lead with courage. This winter, church leaders are invited to join a transformative 8-week Racial Justice Learning Cohort designed specifically for congregational councils. The cohort will meet on Fridays at 10 AM PST from January 16 to March 4.
This cohort will equip council members with tools to engage Culture, Power, and Race (CPR) through a biblical lens and to participate in the breach-repairing justice to which God calls us.
Alongside the Church Council Cohort, there will also be dedicated tracks for Youth Leaders and Pastors who want to deepen their leadership, expand their racial justice capacity, and engage these conversations with their communities in meaningful ways.
Facilitated by David Scherer (AGAPE)*, racial justice educator, author, and facilitator with over 25 years of experience training leaders across the country—along with other special guests.
The Prince of Peace Lutheran Church Mission Endowment Fund provides financial awards to individuals and organizations that emphasize on extending the life and mission of the church, which would include but be not limited to:
Mission outreach – local/national/international faith-based organizations that are meeting basic human needs
Innovative new programs or ministries
All people are welcome to apply on behalf of an organization, endeavor, or project that furthers the mission and outreach goals of the congregation. Grants typically range from $1000-$5000.
Lutheran Engagement and Advocacy in Nevada 