Willard H. Rettig

Willard H. Rettig, 83, of Hanover, died May 6, 2013 at the Hanover Hospital. A funeral service was held Thursday, May 9, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, Hanover. Rev. Rodney Fritz officiated. Arlyce Klipp was organist and the choir sang "Jesus, Lover of My Soul" and "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." The congregation sang "Asleep in Jesus" and "Heaven is My Home." Burial was in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were James Oehm, Jonathan Rettig, Marty Coufal, Raleigh Ordoyne, Brian Rettig and Greg Scheele. Willard was born February, 6, 1930, on the family farm NE of Hanover to John and Anna (Lindhorst) Rettig Jr. He was baptized on February 16, 1930 by Rev. William Mahler and was confirmed on April 2, 1944 by Rev. Theo Kauffeld. Willard attended Sunflower and Trinity Lutheran Schools. On October, 19, 1952, he was united in marriage to Verla Kruse at Trinity Lutheran. He served in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1954. Willard was employed by Hoffman Chevrolet Company from December 1948 to December 1969. In 1970 he bought the repair business from the Hoffman’s and operated as an independent shop. Willard was a life member of Trinity Lutheran, a member of LLL Men’s Club and held several offices. He was on the cemetery board, was an usher and an Elder. For many years, he was a member of the adult choir. Willard served as secretary/treasurer of AAL Branch 2036 for 25 years. He served on the Hanover Council, was treasurer for the Save Hanover History Group, past President of the Kloppenberg Board and was a member of the Chamber. Willard was a life member of the Hanover American Legion and served as service officer and historian for many years. He was a charter and life member of the V.F.W., first with the post in Washington, until the post closed, and then in Marysville. He enjoyed gardening, woodworking, stamp collecting and antiques. Willard was a devoted husband, father and grandfather and liked spending time with family. Survivors include his wife, Verla; children, Dorothy (Dennis) Stigge of Washington, Floyd (Linda) Rettig of Hanover, Kenneth (Dotty) Rettig of Clay Center, Karen (Dave) Doerr of New Castle, PA; brothers, Leonard Rettig and Elden Rettig, both of Lincoln, NE; ten grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial fund has been established in his name and will be designated by the family. Contributions may be sent in care on Hanover Mortuary, Hanover. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Willard H. Rettig, please visit our flower store.