Obit: Rettig, Robert W. (1926 - 2005)

Contact:  Crystal Wendt

Surnames: Rettig, Hotham, Peraian, Schlmelpfenig, Davis, Moser, Michalski, Krueger, Marolla, Shelton, Tischendorf

----Sources: Marshfield News Herald (Marshfield, Wood County, Wis.) Mon, Sep 12, 2005

Rettig, Robert W. (27 April 1926 - 9 Sept. 2005)

With Flag

Robert W. Rettig, 79, of the town of Polk, died Sept. 9, 2005 at his residence.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Schmidt Funeral Home in Jackson. The Rev. Mark Harmon will officiate. Burial will follow in Washington County Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

He was born April 27, 1926, to Ray and Elenor (Hotham) Rettig in Zion, Ill. He married Miriam W. Peraian on March 13, 1948, in Zion, Ill. She preceded him in death March 8, 2000. He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the European Theatre during World War II. Following his marriage, he settled in Zion, Ill. until they moved to Withee in 1955. He managed a dairy co-op in Withee, operated a farm and owned and drove a truck. In 1971 they moved to the Jackson area. He owned Protein Express-Wisconsin Protein Carriers and drove full-time until he retired in 1996.

He was the national director of the National Farmers Organization from 1963 until 1966. He was a member of the Antique Power Reunion and a collector and restorer of 2-cylinder John Deere Tractors. He was also a charter member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He was a proud republican and American. He was a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Survivors include eight children: Rodine Rettig of Richfield, Rachel (Glenn) Schlmelpfenig of Fairfield Glade, Tenn., Roberta Davis of West Allis, Raymond (Lisa) Rettig of Jackson, Rebecca (Brian) Moser of West Bend, Rhonda (Allan) Michalski of Marshfield, Rita (Michael) Krueger of Slinger and Robert (Sue) Rettig Jr. of Allenton; 12 grandchildren; one great grandchild; a sister: Shirley (Rob) Marolla of Ashville N.C.; a sister-in-law: Kathryn (David) Shelton of Idaho; his best friend Shadow and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by a son, Richard, and a grandson, Jeremy Tischendorf.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army.