John W. Rensel

John W. Rensel, 76, took his final checkered flag on May 11, 2025.

He was born in Erie to Evelyn F. (Slodownik) and John R. Rensel, who really hoped to have a first-born baseball fanatic son, but he wound up with a racing fan instead. Ever since the horsepower drone from Eriez Speedway wafted over to the family home on Cherry Street Sunday nights and caught his ear, John was hooked. As soon as he had a good enough car, a roll cage was welded in, and the racing fan became a race car driver.

A cradle to grave Catholic, he attended St. George Catholic School, Cathedral Preparatory School and the University of Detroit. Not straying far from things automotive, John owned and operated several local service stations in the mid-70s with business partners Thomas Rehberg and Peter Bailey, both trusted associates and true lifelong friends, moving to petroleum manufacturing at Gulf & Western, and then to automotive parts manufacturing at Erie Press Systems, Kaiser Aluminum, Schuler Inc., and rounding out his professional career as part owner of Femco Machine in Punxsutawney, PA. After his retirement, he opened a small auto repair and State Inspection shop in his backyard garage near Punxsutawney and was instrumental in founding Alternative Fuel Solutions of PA, before health issues precluded his further involvement in both ventures.

He returned home to Erie, where he worked as a delivery driver for Advance Auto Parts until his health forced a third and final retirement. In his professional prime, he was the leading authority in the Eastern United States on aluminum presses, having been contracted by Ford Motor Co. and many other industry leaders to consult on their equipment.

His racing career spanned 3 decades, starting at Eriez in their Cadet class (#48), moving to Sportsman class (#84), at which point he joined forces with local racing and music legend Dick Bulling, and rebranded to the World of Music #68 livery. Shortly after this partnership they made the transition to Sprint Cars, where weekends were spent adjacent to the World of Outlaws circuit at Lernerville, Tri-City, Sharon, and Sportsman's Speedways throughout the 80s and 90s. He was a consistent competitor, often ranking in Top Ten points standings, winning some races here and there, and having one hell of a lot of fun the entire time. It was never about winning as much as it was about going fast and having fun. And fun John had.

John was devoted to his faith as a member of the Knights of Columbus, 4th Degree, a parishioner of St. George Catholic Church, and taught confirmation candidates (including son Ian) with Cheryl at St. George and while residing in Punxsutawney and attending SS. Cosmas & Damian.

John was a life-long Cleveland Browns and Cleveland Indians fan, refusing to call them the Guardians! By the final lap, his head gasket had deteriorated, his fuel filter was clogged, and he was just running too lean. He finished his race, and now he's looking for his next ride.

He leaves his Crew Chief and loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Cheryl (Valimont); his backup mechanic and son, Ian Rensel; his Pit Crew: siblings Gerald Robert Rensel (Mary Jane), Jeffery James Rensel (Darlene), Kathleen Sue Johnson (Carroll), and Joel Edward Rensel; in the stands: nephew Dan Rensel, nieces Kristi Leigh (Rensel) Stradiot (Matt), Mary Elizabeth Rensel, and Rory Sarah Johanna Rensel, his Goddaughter.

As would be expected of a Cathedral Prep graduate (1966, roll Ramblers), services are being handled by the Kloecker Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc, 2502 Sassafras St. where friends may call on Sunday from 2-6 pm. Much to his son's dismay, the procession will not be making one final lap around Eriez Speedway. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. George Church on Monday at 10 am. Send condolences to www.kloeckerfuneralhome.com

Burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, The Knights of Columbus, or the charity of one's choice.