Born in Ann Arbor in 1868, J. Fred Rentschler became the city's most respected portrait photographer. After serving as an apprentice at the Gibson studios, Rentschler opened his own studio in 1890. He operated Rentschler's Studios until his death in 1940. At that time, his son Edwin D. Rentschler took over the business. When Edwin died in 1971, the studio soon ceased operation under the Rentschler name.
From the guide to the Rentschler's Studio photograph collection, 1889-1969, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)