Paul Edwin Rentner

Lieutenant Colonel Paul Edwin Rentner, age 87, of Everett, Washington was born June 29, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois. An amazing pilot, Paul caught a "sweet wind" as his soul soared to Heaven June 22, 2022, with family at his side and after a few "touch-and-goes" in the early hours of the morning, Paul, son of Ellsworth and Hazel Rentner, grew up in Dalton, Illinois, spending carefree childhood summers hunting, fishing and beekeeping in Paw Paw, Michigan. Paul married the love of his life, Barbara J. Zajicek, September 8, 1956, in Harvey, Illinois, and they were gifted with celebrating 65 wedding anniversaries together. Paul is survived by his wife, Barbara. He was the proud father to three children, JoAnn (Jody) Doty, Karen (Kacie) Starling and Kevin Rentner, ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sister, Janet Trykall, with sister Margot Gouwens preceding him in death. A 1956 graduate of Purdue University, with a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Paul became a pilot in the U.S. Air Force from 1957 to 1979. Among many other commendations, awards and honors achieved during his military career, his valorous service in the Vietnam War earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, our nation's highest award for extraordinary aerial achievement. He was also proud of his work as the author of a decision paper that led to the Air Force purchase of the C-9A Nightingale aeromedical evacuation plane, a flying hospital While still on active duty, Paul completed an MBA through Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in 1979. Upon Air Force retirement, he soon joined The Boeing Company as a Design Engineer until his retirement in 1997. A major highlight of his Boeing career was engineering work on the Air Force One 747 Paul was a member of the Everett Masonic Lodge (Past President); Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity, American Legion; Order of Daedalions; Trouts Unlimited; Stilly Snohomish Task Force President, and Everett Steelhead and Salmon Club. He pursued his interests in freemasonry, fishing, conservation, flying, and golf, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family. If you ask anyone, they will describe Paul as a kind, caring, wonderful man. He will be remembered as a veteran, a war hero, a fishing buddy, and a good friend to many. Paul took comfort in the fact that he was blessed with 87 years of a life filled with love, service, honor, and dignity. He will be dearly missed. The family is grateful to Morningstar of Silver Lake staff for their excellent care and kindness, to Providence Hospice and Home Care staff, and to Beatrice at Amy's Adult Care for sharing her family and especially her cherished granddaughters with Grandpa Paul. A private family service with military honors will be held. Memorial contributions are suggested to: Providence Hospice and Home Care of Snohomish, 1615 75th St SW, #201, Everett, WA 98203 and Phi Chapter, Theta Tau Fraternity, 130 Louise Road, New Castle DE 19720.