Donald W. Rettmann

Donald William Rettmann, age 99, born on April 27, 1927, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of his family on May 13, 2026. A devoted Catholic and faithful servant to his community, he lived a life marked by kindness, humility, generosity and deep devotion to God and family.

Don was married to his sweetie, Dolores "Laurie" Ullmer, with whom he shared 68 wonderful years of marriage before her passing. Together they built a loving family and created countless cherished memories. He was a proud father of three children and a treasured grandfather who delighted in spending time with his grandchildren, often taking them on memorable day-long adventures that they will forever hold close to their hearts.

Faith was the cornerstone of his life. He was an active member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, where he faithfully read the readings at morning Mass, helped serve funeral lunches and visited shut-ins, always offering comfort, companionship and prayer to those in need. In 1991, he joined the Associate Program with Sisters of St. Frances of the Holy Cross, Bay Settlement, continuing his lifelong commitment to service and ministry.

Throughout his life, he gave generously of himself to others. He worked many years in the Sisters of St. Frances of the Holy Cross, Bay Settlement's Garden and volunteered serving meals at the NEW Community Shelter for more than 20 years. His compassion extended even further through his extraordinary dedication to donating blood, donating 19 gallons to the Red Cross over the course of his lifetime.

He enjoyed traveling and shared adventures with his wife through 36 states and Europe. Together, they especially enjoyed spending winters in Arizona. He was a dedicated bowler and remained active in a bowling league until the remarkable age of 97. He also enjoyed a good card game.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dolores; his parents, William and Clara Rettmann; and his brothers: William, Larry and Don's twin, Roy.

Don is survived by his three children: Denise (Pat) Phillips, Donna (Chris) Corbisier, and Doug (Trisha) Rettmann; five grandchildren: Lori (Jason Entringer) Phillips, Lisa Phillips, Loni (Jason) Santy, Jessica (David) Kaufman, and Brian (Mercedez) Rettmann; seven great-grandchildren: Arizona, Marcus (Alison), Charles, Henrik, Oliver, Vincent, and Vivienne; one sister-in-law, Charlene (Gary) Maus; and nieces, nephews, and further relatives and friends.

Don will be remembered for his unwavering faith, generous heart, strong work ethic and the love he gave so freely to his family, friends and community. His legacy of service and compassion will continue to be admired by those who knew him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 12 PM NOON. Visitation will take place from 10 AM until the time of the service. Burial will be held at the Cemetery of the Holy Sepulchre of St. John the Baptist the following day.

In honor of Don’s favorite color, the family kindly invites those attending the services to wear blue.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all who cared for him and supported him throughout his long and beautiful life, especially to his dear friend, Lynn.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Don's memory to the organizations he committed his life to: Sisters of St. Frances of the Holy Cross, Sisters of Our Lady of Charity, NEW Community Shelter and/or charity of choice.