Gerhard Rechenbach was born on October 29, 1924 in Koblenz, Germany. His parents were Adolf Rechenbach and Lilli Rechenbach (born Wedel). Until 1936, the family lived in Cologne, Germany. From 1936 until he completed his Abitur in 1943, Rechenbach lived in Oppeln, Upper Silesia with his parents and youger brother Eckard.

1943–44:  Rechenbach studied architecture in The Free City of Danzig.

1944–45:  Rechenbach served as a paramedical soldier. He was eventually wounded, and soon thereafter became a prisoner of war.

1948–55:  He attended the University of Fine Arts in West Berlin, and studied in the studios of Max Kaus (painting) and Ernst Fritsch (figure drawing).

1955–56:  Rechenbach studied in Paris, in the studio of Jean Jaques Deyrolle.

1948–84:  He taught figure drawing, painting, and art appreciation at the Volkschochschule Berlin.

Gerhard Rechenbach died on September 24, 1984 in Berlin, just six days shy of the biggest show of his works to that date. This exhibition took place in the gallery of the town hall Berlin–Tempelhof to celebrate the artist's 60th birthday.