Dennis Wayne Rentz

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.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made payable to Children’s Mercy Kansas City, and can be mailed to Department of Philanthropy, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO 64108, or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.

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