Jeremy Daniel Rentsch

Dr. Jeremy Daniel Rentsch peacefully entered eternal rest following a brave and courageous battle with pancreatic cancer on July 9th, 2026.

Born on December 4th, 1980 at Union Hospital in Dover, Ohio, Jeremy was the son of Daniel Rentsch and Julie (Michael) Criswell. Jeremy graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1998 before continuing his education at Kent State University where he obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Conservation Biology. He then went on to obtain his Ph.D in Plant Biology at the University of Georgia before completing his post-doctoral research at the University of Colorado.

Jeremy found his second family and his forever home at Francis Marion University in Florence, South Carolina where he became an Associate Professor with the Department of Biology in the fall of 2015. He thoroughly enjoyed teaching courses including Organismal Biology, Plant Structure and Function, Plant Genetics and Plant Evolution and Diversity.

In addition to teaching, Jeremy was equally as dedicated to his research. He published many articles and was incredibly proud of his first cover photo in January’s issue of Castanea in which he published an article on one of his favorite topics, carnivorous plants - specifically the venus fly trap.

What Jeremy would most like to be remembered for is his mentorship to his research students. Through the years, each and every one of his students held a special place in his heart.

In addition to his parents, Jeremy is survived by his sisters Jessica (Rasheed) As-Samad and Megan (Shane Hawk); his nieces and nephews, Rashae, Louis, Elijah, Andre, Rasheed Jr, and Isaiah As-Samad; and Chasity, Aiden, Owen and Noah Hawk; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins and an older sister he never had the opportunity to meet, Stacey Noel. He is also survived by his furry companion, Meowlexandria.

Though many miles separated Jeremy from the family he was born into, his family found tremendous comfort in knowing that he was never alone during his battle as his FMU family’s support was nothing short of extraordinary. From rides to and from appointments, to meals, to shifts at the hospital to ensure he was never alone, he was blessed and loved in ways many of us will never experience. The kindness and support of his friends and coworkers was a gift to both Jeremy and to his family, and those friendships will never be forgotten.

Special thank you to Dr. Bajaj and his staff, the staff at McLeod Regional Medical Center and the staff McLeod Hospice House. Jeremy undoubtedly left a mark on each of their hearts which has shown in every interaction.

In accordance with Jeremy’s wishes, cremation is being entrusted to Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home and a memorial service will be planned at a future date at the FMU campus.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Francis Marion University in Florence, SC to be used for a memorial scholarship fund that is being created in Jeremy’s honor.