On Friday, March 27, 2026, John E. Rendell of Covert, Mi., peacefully left the physical presence of his beloved family and walked into the arms of His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. John, a man of unwavering faith, a living example of “the good and faithful servant” a man who stood by his word, who represented the qualities of great Faith, reverence for family, and friends, and respect for his country left behind a legacy of love that continues through his children, his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren.
John was the son of Miles E. Rendell and Dorothy C. (Johnson) Rendell. He was born June 11, 1949 and had three siblings: Cheryl Schinck, (who along with his parents preceded him in death),
Larry (Marci) Rendell, and Diane (Phil) Helmuth. John attended Coloma Schools, met the love of his life Susan A. Thomas, joined the United States Army and proudly served his country in Germany. During this time John and Susan were united in a marriage on January 6, 1970. A union built on faith and love that lasted 56 years.
John and Susan have three daughters: Shannon Ashley of Covert, Mi., Wendy Casares of Pike Creek, Tx., and Jennifer (Lance) Gilbreath of Cuyahoga Falls, Oh. Their girls filled their lives with grandchildren, bringing them so much joy, and of whom they are very proud: John (Meghan) Wells, Steven Ashley, Amanda Ashley, Nevaeh Palmer, Cassaundra (Tyler) Ettinger, Stephanie (Chris) Higginbotham, Andria (Joe), Lugo, Katelin Casares, Gabriela Casares, Jerry Casares, Skeeter Gilbreath and Elijah Gilbreath. These grandchildren have brought 14 beloved great grandchildren into this family.
John was a long standing member of Faith Fellowship Church and the Wednesday Morning Men’s Bible Study of South Haven, MI. He was employed for 40 years at MAC Engineering before he retired. John loved to work in his yard, meticulously mowing and trimming his lawn, tinker on cars in his garage, and especially spend time with his family and friends, who will miss him always.
Visitation for John will be held at Duffield & Pastrick Funeral Home 6548 Paw Paw Avenue, Coloma MI from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Services will be at The Watervliet (Free Methodist) Church with Pastors Doug Dunn and John Wells officiating. This will take place on Wednesday, April 1 at 11:00 a.m. 7734 Paw Paw Ave. Watervliet, MI. Military Burial and Service will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery 15501 W. Dickman Road, Augusta, MI. 49102 at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
Memorials in John’s memory may be made to the Faith Fellowship Church building fund or the Berrien County Cancer Society.
Service Schedule
Upcoming Services
Visitation
Tuesday, March 31, 2026
5:00 – 7:00 pm (Eastern time)
Duffield & Pastrick Funeral Home & Cremation
6548 Paw Paw Ave
Coloma, MI 49038
Funeral Service
Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)
Watervliet Free Methodist Church
7734 Paw Paw Avenue
Watervliet, MI 49098
Burial will follow on Thursday at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.
Posted On: Monday, March 30, 2026 4:23 PM
