John W. Rentschler

John died on July 12, 2023, at the home of his mother, in Amherst, NH.  For many years, John struggled with mental health and addiction diseases.  He fought a long and hard battle but finally succumbed to those challenges.  In life, John first and foremost loved his son, Pax (age 6).  John’s deep love of music began at five, when he discovered the violin.  He studied the Suzuki method under Louise Wear and was a talented violinist and fiddler. The violin was his steadfast companion and he loved to play for family, most especially for dad.

John was born in Glen Cove, NY and moved to Durham NH where he attended Oyster River schools through 2001. He attended Kimball Union Academy in Plainfield NH until 2003 and graduated in 2005 from The New School in Kennebunk, ME. John previously resided in Bellingham, WA and was an avid lover of the outdoors.  He delighted in hiking, snowboarding, surfing and recently completed a wilderness responder program through Aerie Backcountry Medicine in Missoula, MT with the hope of becoming an EMT.  He worked in home construction and remodeling and volunteered with AmeriCorps and the Washington Conservation Corps.

As a proud papa, John loved adventures, snuggling, and being silly with Pax.  His love of music is a lifelong gift he passed along to his son.  His creative side was also evident in the kitchen where he loved preparing food for others.  His mother will always remember his gourmet hamburgers.  John and his sister Emily attended Kamp Kohut and spent long summer days together with their parents at Highland Lake in Bridgton, ME.  John had a caring heart; his family and friends will remember his generous spirit.

John was predeceased by his father and best friend, Walter.  He leaves his loving mother, Dorothy, sisters Emily Drobek (Craig), Kristina, Ann (Bill Hoyt) and Carol Laurie, as well as his niece Claire, nephews Will, Clark, and Callen, Pax’s mother, Gloria DeMarco and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.  

SERVICES: A memorial gathering will be held Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at the Cremation Society of NH, 243 Hanover Street, Manchester, NH 03104.  A memorial service will follow in the chapel at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the music program Upbeat NH.  Checks may be sent to United Way/Upbeat New Hampshire, 20 Broad Street, Nashua, NH 03064 “in Memory of John Rentschler” in the memo line or www.upbeatnewhampshire.org/support_us/ways-to-give/  

If you or someone you know is in crisis and need immediate help, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988

Cremation Society of NH is assisting the family with arrangements. To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolence, or for more information please go to https://csnh.com/