Mary Rettmann
February 13, 1935 - March 15, 2015
Obituary
Passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at her home with her family by her side. She was 80 years old. Mary Jean Nelson was born on February 13, 1935 in Traverse City, Michigan to the late Carl Hugo and Alice (Vezma) Nelson. Mary Jean was a 1954 graduate of Saginaw High School. Following high school, she was employed as a secretary working in law, insurance and banking. She married the love of her life, James "Jim" Kenneth Rettmann on April 7, 1956 in Saginaw; he preceded her in death on May 11, 2009. She loved dogs, especially Cocker Spaniels, and rescued several from the Florida Cocker Spaniel Rescue. Mary Jean and Jim enjoyed traveling and treasured the times they spent between their homes in Michigan and Florida. She was a talented cook, but also enjoyed going out to dinner with family and friends. Above all, Mary Jean loved and cherished her family, especially spending time with her children and grandchildren by the lake. Surviving are a son, Kenneth (Susan) Rettmann; daughter, Susan (Dave) Leonard; seven grandchildren: Ryan (Melissa) Rettmann, Erin Rettmann and her fiancé, Stefan Smolenski, Scott (Ashley) Rettmann, Kristen Leonard and her fiancé, James Lower, Steven Leonard, Jacob Leonard and Emily Leonard; and a great-granddaughter, Isla Rettmann. She is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law. Mary Jean is preceded in death by two sons: Daniel and Steven Rettmann; and a sister, JoAnne Zimmerman. FUNERAL: Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn. Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, Michigan, 48603 on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service honoring Mary Jean will take place at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, led by Pastoral Associate, Sharon Wahl. Mary Jean will lie in state at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to American Home Health & Hospice Care, Florida Cocker Spaniel Rescue c/o Carol Cansler 23154 Saint George Place, Land O Lakes, Florida, 34639, or St. Stephen Catholic Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.
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Memories
JD
Judy and Dick Diffin
Other •
What a loss. Mary Jean was a very special person. Dick and I thought the world of her. She will be missed, Dick and Judy Diffin
MG
Mae Gosaynie
Other •
Dear Susan and Family,
I remember your mother as if she were your older sister. You two looked so much alike back then.
The memory that has stuck with me the most is the time you were to have surgery in Saginaw. Hiam and I went to visit you at the hospital and found a card that had strange writing in it with letters reversed and flipped. I immediately asked who had written the well wishes assuming the individual had dyslexia, you replied your Mom had gone to the trouble of writing the card for you that way to represent that it had been written by your dog and cat. What a sweet, thoughtful, and loving gesture your mom had made to take the time to include your loving pets in such a way. She was blessed to have a caring daughter like you and you were blessed to have her as your mom.
May she rest in peace.
Love,
Mae Gosaynie
TL
Terri Lund
Other •
Our condolences to you all, Mary was a great friend to my mom through life, and now in heaven. At this time all I can see is her all cuddles up next to your dad, I remember how back when you could set next to each other in the car, that was the only way you saw them. Old friends and loves back together. Until we meet again, you are all dearly missed.
Love,
Dave,Terri and girls
SG
Shelly Glazier
Other •
Mary Jean and Jim were wonderful neighbors to our family on Mickey Lake. When I and my small son lived next to Jim and Mary Jean I knew I could always count on them to keep a watchful eye on our house when we were gone and when we were home. Mary Jean always had a smile on her face and Jim was always busy doing something.
In later years Mary Jean and Jim once again watched over my sister children when they were home. Katie loved going over to Mary Jean's for coffee.
Mary Jean and Jim will be missed by our family.
Our condolences,
The Clare Fewins family.
PP
Patti Peterson
Other •
Ken and Sue,
Your Mom (and Dad) gave Julie, Bruce and I, and our families and especially my Mom and Dad, memories that we will have for a lifetime. They were so generous in sharing "Rettmann's Roost" and the "Sunshine House" with our families. We will always be so grateful to all of you. She will be missed very much.
Mark, Patti, Brandon, Lindsey, Chad and Josh
RJ
Reese Jones
Other •
I will always remember those wonderful trips with my wife and 4 dearest friends.
God Bless you my friend
Reese Jones