Benjamin Rentschler

Webster City/Callender- Benjamin Rentschler, 89, passed away Wednesday, June 26, 2024, at the Southfield Wellness Community in Webster City. Ben is one of twelve siblings of David and Hilda (Daughters). Ben was born in Lehigh, Iowa and graduated from Stratford (Iowa) High School in 1953.

Ben was stationed in South Korea with the US Army shortly after the Armistice Agreement of July 27, 1953. Ben earned the rank of Staff Sargent before his discharge in 1955.

Ben moved to Babbitt, Minnesota with his eldest brother, Gerald, to work for four decades in the Babbitt Taconite (Iron) Mine. Shortly after moving, he married Carol Long of Lehigh and raised a family. Ben and Carol were married 62 years before her passing in 2018. In the mine, Ben drove trucks and most earthmoving equipment and worked in the carpentry department for four decades. Ben was an active member of the Woodland Presbyterian Church, Boy Scouts of America and various youth athletics.

After retirement, Ben and Carol moved to Callender to again connect with friends and family in Iowa. They enjoyed traveling across the United States in their motorhome, which they made as a second home. They also traveled to Costa Rica, where one son lives.

Ben is preceded in death by his father David Rentschler, and mother Hilda (Daughters), siblings Gerald Rentschler, Leona Kent, Marie Hooker and Linda Smith; son Michael Rentschler and daughter Lori Nelson.

Ben is survived by brothers Harold, Robert, Charles, Leonard, Leland and Steven Rentschler and sister Patricia Elliott, sons Tom (wife Rosa) and Dennis (wife Mary Beth) Rentschler; grandchildren Nichole Rentschler, Jennifer Nelson, Deanna (Anthony) Lassegard, Heather Keller, Taralyn (Alan) Wesley, and Carissa Dropps; and ten great grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, June 29, 2024, at United Methodist Church, Gowrie with Pastor Susan Rohden officiating. Burial services will be held 10:30 AM Monday July 8 at Babbitt Argo Cemetery. Military rites will be provided by the American Legion Post #431 of Gowrie. Laufersweiler, Palmer and Sons, Gowrie is in charge of arrangements.