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