Gerald VanRenterghem Obituary

Gerald "Don" VanRenterghem

Gerald "Don" VanRenterghem passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025. Don was born May 24, 1931, in Detroit, Michigan, to Maurice and Hazel (Green) VanRenterghem. He attended St. Rita's Catholic School until ninth grade, when he joined Mumford Trade School at Chadsey High School. He entered the culinary arts program and graduated with distinction in 1949. Afterward, he worked at several local bakeries and fine dining restaurants in the Detroit metropolitan area.

In January 1952, he was drafted by the US Army for the Korean War. He began his career in the infantry with heavy weapons but eventually became a sergeant and cook for the Third Division under General Smyth. He was honorably discharged and returned to Detroit. On July 4, 1952, he married Marlene Hudson while on leave.

In 1954, Don's former chef and teacher called him and told him about an opening for an executive chef at The Ohio Oil Company. Don and Marlene relocated to Findlay, where Don was employed as executive chef for the executive dining room. Here, he created ice carvings for events and private parties and eventually became the supervisor of the new employee cafeteria in 1962. He remained at Marathon Oil Company for 33 years, retiring in 1987.

In 1956, while working full-time at Marathon, Don became a partner in Napoli Pizzeria, introducing Findlay to a full-time pizza shop. Don kept his recipes from Napoli's and continued to serve them at the Hancock County Fair for 50 years until 2010.

Don was also a partner in Tri-State Frostop Root Beer for a few years before he began his catering business in 1972. His professional food services business was one of the first private catering services in Findlay.

In 1977, Don and Marlene built Cheshyre House, a permanent catering hall, and operated it for 19 years. Along the way, Don found time to cook breakfasts and annual Christmas dinners for Findlay Skeet Club for 40 years. He taught adult education cake decorating classes at Findlay High School and served as a cake judge at Hancock County Fair for several years.

In 1996, Don was instrumental in the development of Jacques Blanchard Indian Pow Wow. This group allowed area schools and the public to experience authentic Native American culture by showcasing dance competitions and artists who attended from all over the country. Native American students from the Pine Ridge Reservation received full scholarships from the University of Findlay with Don's help. He traveled to Pine Ridge Reservation several times, taking schoolbooks and food to them.

Don was involved in the Spirit of 1776 endeavor. He often dressed in period costumes to promote the Constitution and patriotism during July 4 and Memorial Day events. He was very active in the Korean War Veterans Association, The Constitutionalist Club, and "Tell it to America" educational group for local schools.

In 2011, Don and his daughter, Leslie, traveled to Washington D.C. for Honor Flight and recorded some Korean War memories for the Library of Congress.

Don attended St. Michael's Catholic Church and The Basilica and National Shrine in Carey, and at times, he served as an usher, eucharistic minister, and altar server.

Don was preceded in death by his wife Marlene, with whom he enjoyed 72 years of marriage; parents, Hazel and Morris; and brothers, Albert, Burnell, and Morris.

He is survived by his four children, Leslie (Ron) Hunker of Tiffin, Eric (Jane) VanRenterghem of Mt. Cory, Brad (Melanie) VanRenterghem of Massachusetts, and Charles (Johanna) VanRenterghem of North Baltimore; 14 grandchildren, Cara (Jason) Clarkson, Brice Kauffman, Patrick Smith, Mindy (Mitch) Distel, Katie (Clay) Hoffman, Derek (Heather) Hunker, Craig VanRenterghem, Brynn (Andi) Baumgartner, Kevin (Monique) VanRenterghem, Liz (Ed) Mills, William VanRenterghem, Geoff VanRenterghem, Hudson VanRenterghem, and Harrison VanRenterghem; and 11 great-grandchildren, Rylan, Jacob, Adalyn, Kelsi, Lynsey, Ryley, Zoey, Arlo, Clair, Griffin, and Gordon.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Primrose, Blanchard Valley Hospital sixth floor doctors and nurses, and Bridge Hospice for the care given to Don.

Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 13, 2025, at COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay. A Mass of Christian burial will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 14, 2025, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, downtown. Burial will follow at the parish cemetery.

Memorial contribu-tions can be made in memory of Don to St. Michael's Catholic School, 750 Bright Road, Findlay, Ohio 45840.

Online condolences can be expressed to the family by visiting coldrencrates.com.