Erich Rennspies, 90 years of age and a longtime resident of Blairstown, was born October 12, 1932 in Obromb, Poland to Robert and Augusta Rennspies.
After growing up in Germany, Erich decided to immigrate to America in 1955. He lived with his uncle in Jersey City. Elisabeth followed him in March of 1957 and was married to Erich in October of 1957. They lived in Jersey City and Oakland, New Jersey. Erich attained his private pilot license and purchased a Tri-Pacer airplane. Erich and Elisabeth would fly from time to time. On a trip in the early 1970s they came across Blairstown and fell in love with the area. They shortly thereafter found a piece of property and built a house where they lived since 1979.
Erich set an example for his family by how he lived and acted which included his devotion to the Christian faith and to his wife. He participated in the brass choir in Germany which he continued in the United States. The brass choir performed in churches, old-age homes and missions. Erich’s professional trade and passion were mechanics and motors.
Erich is survived by his wife Elisabeth of 65 years; his two daughters, Linda Elizabeth and husband Richard Stephenson and Christa Margarethe and husband Thomas F. Dugan V; grandchildren Jonathan E. Stephenson, Robert M. Stephenson, Thomas F. Dugan VI, Christina M. Dugan, Erich M. Rennspies, Nicholas A. Rennspies and his great-grandchildren, Levi, Ellie, and Emma Stephenson. His son, Norman E. Rennspies, is pre-deceased.
A visitation will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at Newbaker Funeral Home, 200 Route 94 in Blairstown. Also, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at Knowlton Presbyterian Church, 3 Knowlton Road in Columbia. A funeral service will follow Wednesday’s visitation at 11 a.m.