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Donald W. Rettman Obituary – 3/2/2017


Donald Wayne Rettman, age 77, of Darwin, died Thursday, March 2, 2017, at the Augustana Lakeside Health Care Center in Dassel.

He was born March 31, 1939, in Ellsworth Township, Meeker County, the son of Edward and Opal (Ondrachek) Rettman. Donald grew up in the Darwin area, and graduated from Litchfield High School in 1957.

He was baptized at the Lutheran church in Stewart, MN, and was a member of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Dassel at the time of his death.

Donald was a member of the Minnesota National Guard, and served from 1961 until 1967.

He owned and operated Don Rettman Construction for over 50 years.

Donald was united in marriage to Paulette Arnleend in 1966. The couple made their home in Meeker County, and together had three children.

Donald was united in marriage to Georgia Sandstede Feb. 6, 1982, at Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Dassel, and gained a daughter. They made their home in Ellsworth Township, and Don continued his excavating business.

He was lovingly referred to as “chief.” Don enjoyed working on his cars and equipment, and his passion was collecting and restoring classic cars.Several of his vehicles were in local parades and events over the years.

Don enjoyed helping people. He slowed down in 2013, but continued to help people by doing small projects and other work for them. He enjoyed morning coffee with his friends, and would stop to say hello to his numerous friends and acquaintances when he was out in the community.

Don is survived by his wife, Georgia Rettman of Darwin; children, David (Lisa) Rettman of Minnetonka, Dan (Joleen) Rettman of Litchfield, and Angela (Paul) Haiden of Maple Grove; four grandchildren, Derek Haiden, Amanda Haiden, Samantha Rettman, and Isabelle Rettman; and a brother, Edward Rettman of Hutchinson.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Paulette; and his parents.

A funeral service took place Tuesday, March 7 at 11 a.m. at the Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Dassel, with the Rev. Daniel Belgum-Blad officiating. Interment followed at the Dassel Cemetery.

There was visitation Monday evening, March 6 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel; and Tuesday at the church, one hour prior to the service.

The Johnson Funeral Home in Dassel handled the arrangements.

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