Lillian Rentschler

Mrs. Lillian A. Rentschler, 86, of

Mohrsville, passed into the more immediate presence of the Savior on Friday, October 26, 2018.

She was born in Berks County on July 21, 1932, the daughter of Wilmer M. Brown Sr. and Mary C. (Hafer) Brown. Following Wilmer's death, her mother married Carl N. Brown, who was a beloved stepfather.

She was an active member of Reading Moravian Church (now known as Reading Moravian Center) on Perry Street in Reading, where she was confirmed by the Rev. Dr. Earl Shay.

She graduated from Ontelaunee High School in 1950 and then attended Reading School of Nursing for two years.

She married the late Harlan Kenneth Rentschler on

September 12, 1953. They had four children; the family

purchased a home in Mohrsville. She worked at W.R. Grace, then worked in the deli department at Redner's

Supermarket. In 1973, she became a relief mail carrier for the U.S. Post Office, eventually becoming a regular carrier. She retired after 24 years of service in 1997.

Mrs. Rentschler was very active in the International

Order of King's Daughters and Sons, an interdenominational Christian service organization. She was a charter member of the Bessie Hafer Circle, serving in several offices. She served as president of the Pennsylvania Branch from 2006-2010. She was made a life member in 2010 and

continued to serve the organization as vice president until her death. She served on the financial committee and

disbursed annual scholarships for students. She helped

organize the 2012 International Conference in Bethlehem, Pa. She was also active in the Women's Club of Leesport, where she was a member for over 50 years.

It is an understatement to say that Mrs. Rentschler was very active in Reading Moravian Church (now partnered with Lititz Moravian Church and known as the Reading Moravian Center). She served as organist for 47 years,

retiring in 2017, receiving a commendation from the state Senate for her service. She played piano for the Sunday School and for the Vacation Bible School for many years. She served on the Board of Elders, taught Sunday School and was delegate to Provincial Synod. From the early 1970s until 2015, she organized the annual fastnacht fundraiser event that turned the whole church into a bakery, frying about 2,000 dozen doughnuts each year to raise money for charitable causes. She also served on the Easter Candy Committee and organized the annual church birthday

calendars.

Mrs. Rentschler had been in declining health and passed away at home under hospice care after an extended illness.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Harlan; son-in-law, Anthony Blessing Sr.; and great-niece, Courtney A. Brown.

She is survived by brothers, Wilmer M. Brown Jr. and

David C. Brown (Christine); children: Debra Ann

(Rentschler) Jackman (the Rev. John) of Lewisville, N.C., Mary (Rentschler) Blessing, Kenneth Rentschler and wife,

Jeanette, Karen (Rentschler) Schultz (Gregory); grandchildren: Anthony Blessing Jr., Elisa M. Blessing, Joanna L. Blessing, Abigail M. Jackman, Andrew C. Jackman, Kenneth Rentschler Jr. (Sarel), Katelyn J. (Rentschler) Gatley

(Matthew), and Jeremy E. Schrack; nephews: Timothy S. Brown (Kay), Mark A. Brown Sr., Daniel A. Brown (Jamie); niece, Nancy M. (Brown) Trach (David); and several great-nephews, great-nieces and cousins.

Visitation with the family will be Wednesday, October 31, from 7-9 p.m. at Leibensperger Funeral Homes Inc., 223 Peach St., Leesport. The funeral will be Thursday, November 1, at 11 a.m. with visitation an hour before the service, also at Leibensperger Funeral Home in Leesport. The Rev. Terry Folk and the Rev. Ron Rice will officiate. Interment will be at Berks Memorial Gardens in Fleetwood.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Bessie Hafer Circle of King's Daughters, Reading Moravian Center or Heartland Hospice.