Dennis Wayne Rentz
Mar 18, 1958 — Jun 28, 2026
Paola, Kansas
Dennis Wayne Rentz, 68, of Paola, passed away on June 28, at Colonial Oaks Living Spring Hill surrounded by his family.
Dennis was born to Arnold and Leona (Lohaus) Rentz on March 18, 1958. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith on April 13, 1958, and confirmed his faith on April 23, 1972.
During his youth, Dennis mowed yards and worked at the Fina station in Paola. He graduated from Paola High School in 1976, then attended Pittsburg State University vo-tech earning an associate’s degree in HVAC. In 1980, Dennis joined the Pipefitters #533, proudly following in his father’s footsteps. Dennis worked as a pipefitter for 37 years before retiring in 2017.
Dennis had one daughter, Brook, from his first marriage. He then married his “charming bride,” Kimberly Donner, on April 4, 1992, with whom he shared 34 years of life. Dennis was deeply committed to building a good life for his wife and daughter, and he never hesitated to mow yards, plow driveways, or show up to “lift and tote” for his family, friends, and neighbors.
Dennis had a wide variety of hobbies including old Ford pickups, trains, tractors, and NHRA racing. If it was mechanical, he was interested in it. He loved to drink coffee with his McDonald’s coffee group and travel with his wife to Branson, Disney, and old Route 66. Dennis traveled nearly the entire length of Route 66, missing only the state of Illinois.
Throughout his life, Dennis was active in various organizations. He was a member of the Maimi County CB Club with the handle of “Kansas Roadhog”, a Leader for his daughter’s Girl Scout troop, and the President of the Classic Cruisers Car Club. Dennis was a lifelong member of First Lutheran Church in Paola, serving as an usher alongside his father and his daughter.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Kimberly Rentz; his daughter, Brook Rentz (Kevin Collins) of Bonner Springs, KS; his sister Connie (Paul) Brand of Shawnee, KS; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Leona Rentz, and his sister, Jane Chronister.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Dengel & Son Mortuary – Paola Chapel, 305 N Pearl Street, Paola, Kansas 66071. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 am, Thursday, July 2, 2026, also at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Paola Cemetery.
Jul 3, 1934 — Jun 28, 2026
Pomona, KS
Carl Eichenberger lived a long and meaningful life, serving as the patriarch of a large and lively family.
Carl Donald Eichenberger was born on July 3, 1934, the second child to Charley and Lena Eichenberger, in rural Pomona, Kansas. Carl was raised as an only child and lived, learned, and grew on his family farm, which is still active today and continuing that legacy. Carl attended North Pomona and Diamond Ridge schoolhouses before finishing his school years at Appanoose Grade and High School, even acting as a school
bus driver during his senior year of high school. It was in school that Carl met his wife, Donna Lee Maag, to whom he was wed on July 9, 1955.
Carl enlisted in the Army in 1955 and was married later that year. Carl and Donna spent about two years abroad living in Aschaffenburg, Germany, enjoying city life while Carl worked on base. During this tour, Carl and Donna were able to visit many iconic European destinations, as well as connect with Eichenberger relatives in Switzerland.
Upon their return to the U.S. and the family farm, Carl and Donna established their home in rural Pomona, Kanas, first at “the lower place” and
later “on the hill” on Reno Road. It was in these two homes that Carl and Donna welcomed their four sons, Bob (1958), Jim (1960), Donnie (1961), and Ed (1967).
Carl was very active in his community throughout his long life. He was a founding member of the Power of the Past Antique Engine and Tractor Association; was a member of the Kansas Livestock Association; and was a member of the Pomona Masonic Lodge. Carl was always involved, like helping with the bean suppers at Richter United Methodist Church, or participating in Pomona Days, and even serving a short stint on the Appanoose school board. Carl spent many years catching up on the local gossip at morning coffee at JoAnn’s Cafe or Buzzard’s in Pomona. After his retirement, Carl was often checking in on his sons, grandkids, neighbors, and crops from the driver’s seat of his trusty pickup.
Carl had a reputation for being incredibly strong and tenacious. He was well known for being able to lift things that most others could not (he once lifted an entire engine out of an old combine by himself). He spent countless hours at his shop desk working on carburetors, mags, and all the things that made antique tractors run just right. Throughout his long life, he overcame or endured cancer, a farming accident that left him severely burned, a debilitating stroke, multiple back surgeries, pneumonia, and many other illnesses or injuries—but Carl was always determined to fight and regain his physical function, right up to his final days.
Carl passed away at Rock Creek Assisted Living, in Ottawa, Kansas, on Sunday, June 28, 2026. He was 91 years old.
Carl will be remembered for his ornery sense of humor, his grumpy countenance, and stubborn nature. Despite his antics, he was loved and cherished by just about everyone who knew him, and his legacy will endure far beyond the many years we shared with him.
Carl is survived by his wife Donna of Pomona, his son Bob (Berta) of Pomona, his son Jim of Pomona, 8 grandkids, 19 great-grandkids (with another one coming soon), as well as many in-laws and dear community friends who loved Carl as their own. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Charley (1980) and Lena (1991); his sister Lucille (1930), his sons Donnie (1985) and Ed (2026); and his grandson J.C. (2024).
A visitation will be held at Carl and Donna’s home in Pomona, on Friday, July 3, 2026, from 10:00AM-2:00PM. There will be no formal service or graveside. Inurnment will be at Dean Cemetery, Pomona, Kansas.
In lieu of a memorial, Carl’s family would suggest that parents and grandparents take some time to treat their kids or grandkids to “going out to eat” in memory of Carl. For more than 40 years, Carl frequently took his grandkids “out to eat” – at the Dairy Bar, Buzzard’s Pizza, or Green Acres – and these meals generated countless memories and bonds which his grandkids will cherish forever. If this is not possible, memorials can be
made to Richter United Methodist Church, Ottawa, Kansas
Posted 6/29/2026