Martin N. Rentschler

Martin Norman Rentschler, 86, of Muhlenberg Township, died April 16, 2008 at 8:05 pm in Reading Hospital, where he had been a patient since April 9th.

He was married August 28, 1948 to the late Esther May (Werner) Rentschler, who died September 11, 1995.

Born in West Leesport, PA on August 22, 1921, he was a son of the late Paul U. and Mabel D. (Fritz) Rentschler.

He was an Army Veteran of WWII.

Martin was a member of St. Mark's United Church of Christ, Reading.

He co-owned Rentschler's Gulf Station, Laureldale, with his son James for 20 years, retiring in 1985.

Martin was a member of both the Pike Township Sportsman Association and the Central (Laureldale) Fire Company.

He is survived by three children: Audrey L. (Rentschler) wife of William B. Waldman of New Hope, Bucks County, James J. husband of Patricia L. (Pugliese) Rentschler of Muhlenberg Township and Rodney M. Rentschler of West Reading.

Other survivors include a son-in-law, Bruce C. Swan of Hellertown, Lehigh County and a sister, Bettie L. (Rentschler) widow of William Barrasso of Exeter Township.

Martin is also survived by four grandchildren: Winifred L. Swan, Robert B. Swan, Megan E. Rentschler and Hilary C. Rentschler.

There are also three great grandchildren: Charles J. Greenstein, Brian D. Greenstein and Madeline G. Swan.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Nancy W. Swan, who died April 4, 1992; and two siblings, Donald E. Rentschler and Dorothy (Rentschler) DiMaio.

Services will be Monday at 10:00 am in Walter R. Christ Funeral Home, Inc., 3300 Kutztown Road, Laureldale, with the Rev. Walton Horn officiating. A viewing will be held one hour prior to services. Burial will be in Epler's Church Cemetery, Bern Township.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 498 Bellevue Avenue, Reading, PA 19605. For online condolences, visit www.christfuneralhome.com