FREDERICK B. RENTSCHLER

Frederick Brant Rentschler, IL, distinguished executive in the food products and airline industries, philanthropist and proud patriot died July 6, 2010, in Scottsdale, AZ, from complications related to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He was 70 years old. Born August 12, 1939 in NYC, Fred was raised in Cincinnati, OH. He received his undergraduate degree in Economics and History from Vanderbilt University, and earned an MBA in Marketing from Harvard Business School. He was also awarded a Doctor of Laws, causa honoris, from the University of Wyoming. Proud to serve his country, he was Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1960 to 1965, and Deputy Director of the White House Fellows Program in 1971 and 1972. During his professional career, he held several executive roles including President and Chief Executive Officer of Northwest Airlines (1991), Beatrice Company (1987 to 1989), Beatrice U.S. Foods (1985 to 1987), and Hunt-Wesson, Inc. (1980 to 1984). He was also President of Armour Dial (1977 to 1980). Fred served on several boards of directors, most recently on International Game Technology, Reno, NV, and on the Board of Trustee's of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. He held various board positions with the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, since 1980 and was named Chairman of the Board from 1995 to 2002 he was named Director Emeritus in 2005. He was a Trustee of the Scottsdale Healthcare Systems, Scottsdale, AZ, since 1985 and in 2003, was named Director Emeritus. He also was a Director of the Frederick B. and Pamela A. Rentschler Foundation. Additionally, he served as Trustee on other boards including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Canned Foods Inc., Esmark, Inc., The Heard Museum, and the Paradise Valley Country Club. After retiring to his home in Scottsdale, AZ, in 1991, Fred and his wife, Pam, split their time between Arizona and their working cattle ranch in the Madison River Valley in southwest Montana. Retirement found Fred actively pursuing golf, fly fishing, horseback riding, art collecting, reading and enjoying the fellowship of good friends and family. He was a gracious host, eager to share with friends the majestic Western landscape and the warm and friendly lifestyle at Corral Creek Ranch. He is survived by his beloved wife, Pamela Abney Rentschler; his canine best friends, Madison and Valley; his twin brother, Charles E.M. Rentschler, and numerous nephews, nieces and godchildren. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, July 17, 2010, 11 a.m., St. Patrick's Catholic Community Church, 10815 North 84th St., Scottsdale, AZ 85260. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to: MVMC Foundation (Madison Valley Medical Center), P.O. Box 993, Ennis, Montana, 59729.