- Mrs. Dick Rettler, Marjorie Mae Rettler, 80, Appleton, passed away on October 12, 2011 at her home surrounded by her family. Margie, daughter of Michael and Zella Brewster, was born February 21, 1931 in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. She attended St. Joseph Catholic Grade School and graduated from Appleton West High School in 1949, along with future husband Dick Rettler. They were married at St. Joseph Catholic Church on June 30, 1951 and spent sixty years of married life together. Margie was proud of her "Career" in retail sales, and the dress department was her special love. She had very fond memories of time spent at Prange's, "Just Petites," and "Karnibys in the Paper Valley." Margie volunteered many hours during her lifetime, including eight years at St. Pius Grade School, assisting Inez Getshaw, RN, with the special education swim program. Also, she volunteered for three years at the Easter Seal Store in downtown Appleton. In later years, Marjorie was a long time member of St. Joseph Parish Senior Citizen Community. She also volunteered at the Appleton Public Library and worked at the polling booths during many local and national elections.
Margie loved the Packers, and thoroughly enjoyed going to the games over a span of 28 years. She and Dick, along with their children, Rorie and Rick, have fond memories of the Lombardi era; going to games at Lambeau Field was a family activity for many years. Margie also spent many summers at the cottage at Pelican Lake, Wisconsin with her family and relatives. She loved to fish for perch and play royal rummy.
One of Margie's biggest achievements was getting her driver's license. Once her children left for college, she took lessons at Fox Valley Technical School and was determined to pass her driver's test. Many times she would say "I love my driver's license." In all of her years of driving, she had a perfect record!
Margie loved the theater; she enjoyed going to productions at the Attic Theater and later the Appleton Performing Arts Center. She participated in productions during High School and at the University of Wisconsin-Menasha and later at the Thompson Center. She was enthusiastic when talking about being a part of the plays and spoke highly of all the friends she'd met. She truly valued her time at the Thompson Center - it was a very special place to her. While in High School she enjoyed her years as a cheerleader and senior year was voted co-captain. Marge too, was an adventurer; she traveled to Alaska seven times over a 22-year period to visit her daughter, Rorie and family. She was an avid reader and also loved to go gambling; the nickel slot machines were her favorite.
Margie is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Dick, Appleton; daughter Rorie and son-in-law, Rob Hammel, Girdwood, AK; son, Rick and daughter-in-law, Katie, Stevens Point; four grandchildren: Raina (Richard Segal) Hammel, Boston, MA, Ryan Hammel, Girdwood, AK, Ross Rettler, Stevens Point, and Chase Rettler, Platteville, WI; three sisters: Mary Carmen (Roger) Hermsen, Appleton, Fay (John) Kettenhofen, Appleton, Sarah (Roger) Wittman, Kimberly; brother-in-law, Fred Rettler, Appleton; and sister-in-law, Jean (Nick) Knauf, Neenah. She is also survived by many special nieces, nephews, and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Michael and Zella Brewster and father-in-law and mother-in-law Harold and Laura Rettler.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on October 17, 2011 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 414 W. Lawrence St., Appleton, with Father David Funk OFM CAP, officiating. Visitation will be held at the church on Monday from 9:00 AM until the time of Mass. A private burial will take place at Highland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Appleton Public Library or the Thompson Community Center of Appleton in Marjorie's name.
Margie and the family would like to express their appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Leveille and his staff, and also to Leslie Gumpert, RN of Hospice for her exceptional care and many acts of kindness.
Brettschneider-
Trettin-Lederer
606 N. Oneida St.
Appleton 733-7383
www.btlfuneral.com
Published in Appleton Post-Crescent from October 14 to October 16, 2011
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1931 - 2011 (80 years)
Education - High School
