Paul Rentenbach

Paul Rentenbach passed away on January 11, 2026, from complications of congestive heart failure. His wife of 58 years and other family members were able to be with him in his final moments.
He was born in Detroit on June 30, 1945. His parents were Robert F. Rentenbach, MD and Elizabeth H. Rentenbach (nee Henderson). He was the oldest of four brothers. His family moved to the City of Grosse Pointe when he was 7 years old. Growing up in Grosse Pointe, he attended Kerby Elementary, Brownell Middle School and Grosse Pointe High. Paul met his wife, Jackie, at Grosse Pointe High. As Class President of the 1963 class, Paul went on to plan their class reunions all the way through their 60th.
Paul graduated cum laude with a BA in Economics, along with minors in Accounting and Soviet Studies, at the University of Michigan in 1967. That summer he and Jackie were married and this past year celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.
His academic achievements led him to Harvard Law School, where he earned his JD in 1972, contributing significantly as an editor for the Harvard Civil Rights-Civil Liberties Law Review.
Paul joined Dykema Gossett PLLC in Detroit in 1972 and quickly ascended the ranks to become a senior partner, focusing on Corporate Finance. Over a 39-year career, his expertise extended across a wide array of specialties, including mutual fund creation and regulation, corporate governance, and securities law compliance. Under his guidance, Dykema's Corporate Finance, Municipal Finance, and Investment Management practice groups flourished. He played a pivotal role in corporate and municipal finance, particularly in mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, and governance matters. His invaluable insight earned him a spot in The Best Lawyers in America for over 13 years, recognition in Chambers USA, and the accolade of being named a Michigan Super Lawyer by Law & Politics. Additionally, he served on the boards of Crowley, Milner & Company and Royal Bank Group, Inc., further showcasing his leadership and strategic vision.
In his retirement, Paul shifted his focus to "service over self." From November 2010 to 2024, he was a valuable member of Matrix Human Services, a Detroit-based organization tackling poverty, HIV/AIDS, and community development. His roles there spanned from Board Member to Treasurer, Chief Legal Officer, and Head Start Policy Council member, highlighting his versatile skills and dedication to social causes.
Paul was also a member of the Rotary Club of Grosse Pointe since 2005, where he held the positions of President, Treasurer, and Secretary, contributing to various philanthropic efforts and helping to provide college scholarships to local high school students. He also served on the board of the Grosse Pointe Public Library. His tenure with the Grosse Pointe Rotary Foundation and Grosse Pointe Public Library signifies his commitment to educational and civic engagement.
His dedication to law and community service has left an indelible mark.
His family would describe Paul as their fearless leader and greatest guardian. Some of his family's fondest memories include early Sunday morning bike rides from Grosse Pointe to Detroit, often stopping to check out historical sites and firehouses. Summers in the backyard and at Camp Michigania were also things Paul and his family cherished. Paul was also an avid long-distance runner, completing 14 marathons and biking adventures across England, Death Valley, and the Erie Canal.
As a friend said when the news of Paul's passing was shared: all we really have is the power to improve the life of others, and through his public service, and building a wonderful family, he did his job tenfold.
Paul is survived by his wife Jacqueline, his daughters Lauren Rentenbach and Erin Rentenbach, his grandchildren Sylvia Hunt and Tobias Hunt. He is also survived by his brothers John (Peachy) Rentenbach and Matthew (Kathy) Rentenbach and nephews Kevin Rentenbach and Elliot Rentenbach, and his cousins Frances Bruchez and Arthur Mitchell. He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Elizabeth, his brother Mark Rentenbach, and his son, Eric Rentenbach.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Paul's memory to The Muscular Dystrophy Association, 3901 Beaubien St, Detroit, MI 48201, or to the Grosse Pointe Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 36366, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236.
Memorial service details will be shared at a later date.