Colin Rensch

Colin Rensch loved his family, his friends, and his music, and he enjoyed life. Friendly, kind, and genuinely interested in people, he found nothing brought him greater joy than making others happy. Colin was a good listener and enjoyed making others feel comfortable in his presence. Gone far too soon, he leaves behind a rich collection of memories for his many special friends and family to cherish forever.

Colin was born in Kalamazoo on November 2nd, 1993, to Robert and Janice (Young) Rensch and their older son, Henry. He radiated a quiet charisma from the start! Many will remember his Gull Island Talent Show rendition of "A Home on the Range" at the tender age of four. Later years would see many other memorable island performances, as well as beloved cottage jam sessions with family and neighbors. Colin was never shy, but music gave him his loudest voice. He enjoyed playing Jazz and demonstrated a knack for improvising at an early age. He even named his dog Oscar Peterson!

Summers at the island cottage were a huge part of Colin's childhood. He treasured his many close friendships there, but he also enjoyed the freedoms that life on the island afforded him. Neighbors were incredibly thoughtful and kind toward him, and Colin noticed and appreciated every one of those kindnesses. Each summer he would attend muscular dystrophy camp where life with MD was the norm and wheelchairs were commonplace. Colin formed many long-lasting friendships during those week-long annual adventures.

Colin’s larger-than-life personality and impact continued to grow through his teen years. He attended Mattawan High School, where he played in the concert and marching bands, participated in Model UN, took special classes in music composition, served on the Homecoming Court, was a member of the National Honor Society, and attended Senior Prom twice. During his senior year, Colin received a "Wish" from the Make-A-Wish foundation. He had requested a piano lesson with Herbie Hancock, so Colin and his family were flown to New York for the four-day experience. During the actual lesson, Colin played a jazz piece he had written to honor his high school band director, Mr. Mark Greer. Mr. Hancock was extremely gracious with his time both during rehearsal and before and after his performance at Lincoln Center, and Colin was his usual calm, confident self. He graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2012, spoke at his graduation ceremony, and received a special faculty recognition called the "Believe and Succeed Award." He was just getting warmed up.

After high school, Colin enrolled at Hope College to study history and music composition. With no prior experience away from home, he was able to live on his own with help from a group of students whom he employed as Personal Care Assistants. Between his junior and senior years at Hope he spent several weeks studying in Vienna, again employing two students as PCAs and again with no prior experience traveling independently. Even his parents were left to wonder if there were any limits to Colin's courage and determination.

Colin's next phase was at Western Michigan University, where he earned master’s degrees in both music and history. During this time, he was able to secure grant funding to support extended research trips to Vienna and Berlin. Again with the help of hired assistants, he combed through old newspaper clippings and other archives, examining the role of jazz music under Nazi party rule. Colin's family members were privileged to accompany him on these adventures, making very real the feeling of being "along for the ride" with this unstoppable young man.

Colin's last stop on the academic trail was at the University of Illinois in Champagne. There, he had completed his coursework in Musicology and was in the process of completing his doctoral dissertation. His research focused on the cultural role of the Hammond organ, mainly in the area of Gospel music.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Colin was active in the Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy organization. He was a long-time member of their Adult Advisory Committee and was the first MD patient to serve on the PPMD Board of Directors.

Colin always placed great value on friendships. While any listing will necessarily leave off a large number of close friends, we would like to mention a few. Nathan Turner and Joe Sonnevil have remained close with Colin since first grade at Mattawan Early Elementary School. Lindsay MacMillan, Meghan Boghema and Tristan Richardson were high school friends who have remained close and supportive through the years. Rali Vassileva and Rachel Cipich met Colin as Personal Care Assistants and became beloved friends. Colin treasured the visits, the outings, and the conversations with each.

No recollection of Colin's life would be complete without mention of his relationship with his brother, Henry. They were as close as two brothers could possibly be. Henry was able to not only care for and help his brother in the most basic sense, but also to be Colin's closest friend and confidant. Also, an accomplished musician, Henry invited Colin to play piano at both his senior and graduate recitals, even after Colin had lost much of his ability to perform. In turn, Henry accompanied Colin during Colin's senior recital at Hope College. Through the years, they have shared adventures including skiing, rafting, and even parasailing. Though they shared a love of music and movies, it was always their admiration and love for each other that was such a joy to witness.

Colin was always reluctant to accept the label of "inspirational," but for him, it was inescapable. He was a physically small person who had a very large impact on those of us lucky enough to have known him. To characterize him as kind, thoughtful, capable, self-assured, and determined seems to draw only the faintest sketch of the person he was. We are all so very lucky to have had him in our lives, if only for a short while.

Colin Rensch, age 32, of Kalamazoo, MI, died on April 22, 2026. Colin was preceded in death by his grandparents, James Young and Walter Rensch; his uncle, John Rensch; and his two cousins, Nathan McLeod and Justin McLeod. Surviving are his parents and brother; his dog and councilor, Rusty; his aunt Shirlene and his uncle Doug Gooch; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Please join us at a Life Story Visitation on Friday, May 1, from 5 – 7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo (269) 375-2900, where food, drinks, and stories can be shared.

A funeral service will be held on May 2nd at First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo at 11 AM, with visitation beginning at 10 AM. Celebrate Colin’s life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on his dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com. Memorial contributions may be made to First Congregational Church of Kalamazoo or Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.