David Retterath
August 14, 1948 ~ October 24, 2023
Born in:
Devils Lake, ND
Resided in:
Dilworth, MN
David’s service will be livestreamed below at 11 AM, Thursday, November 2, 2023
David Retterath, 75, went to be with his heavenly father at his home in Dilworth, MN, on October 24, 2023 surrounded by family.
David was born on August 14, 1948, to Wesley and Florence Retterath in Devils Lake, ND. The second of eight kids and the oldest boy, Dave helped his parents on the farm growing up. Dave graduated from Page High School in 1966. He married Donna Gierszewski on February 28, 1976.
Dave went to Wahpeton State School of Science to learn the sheet metal trade. Dave worked in sheet metal until his health required him to look for a different line of work. In 1995, the family moved to Dilworth, MN, when he went to work as a draftsman at Houston Engineering, where he worked until retiring in 2010.
To say that Dave enjoyed watching sports would be an understatement! He especially loved watching his grandkids play sports and do other activities. He would go out of his way to try and get to as many grandkid events as he could. Dave also had a lifelong passion for watching and rooting for the Green Bay Packers. He enjoyed watching these games from the comfortable chair in his Packer room.
Dave cherished his grandkids. He enjoyed spending time with them and telling them jokes. They along with his kids were his pride and joy. Dave also treasured good company and loved visiting with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Donna of 47 years, daughter Amanda (Erik) Jones of Dilworth, MN; sons Aaron (Joy) Retterath of West Fargo, ND; and Alan (Sheri) Retterath of Hawley, MN. He also leaves behind grandchildren Nora, Toby, Ava, Trevor, Molly, Sam, Wesley, and Waylon. Dave is also survived by his three sisters and four brothers and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother-in-law, one sister-in-law, several nephews, and two great-nephews.
Services
Visitation: November 2, 2023 9:00 am - 10:30 am
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Dilworth MN
207 Main St N
Dilworth, MN 56529
Rosary : November 2, 2023 10:30 am
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Dilworth MN
207 Main St N
Dilworth, MN 56529
Funeral Mass: November 2, 2023 11:00 am
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, Dilworth MN
207 Main St N
Dilworth, MN 56529
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Gail Zehren
David would exercise at the gym I worked at. He would always bring homemade cinnamon candies around the holidays. He was always so nice to visit with.
We are so sorry we are unable to attend. Our thoughts and prayers for his family.
Dave was a wonderful brother, a kind and gentle person who’s smile lit up the room. I’ll always remember his joke telling and ending it with a slap on his knee 😊 I will always cherish the memory of him singing karaoke at his 75th birthday and my last hug with him being so emotional for both of us. I love you Dave . I’ll miss you Dave but thank Jesus we get to spend eternity together.
I really enjoyed all my years being able to talk with Dave at all the sporting events of the kids. Dave was always a joy to be around. He was supportive and proud of his grandkids. Thanks for all the memories.
Prayers to you Donna and the entire family.
Cherish all the memories.
Patricia and Bill
David was such a fun, uplifted uncle! He was always in good spirits and smiling! My brother passed away this March and despite his own health issue he was facing, he still made the trip to be at the funeral. I am so grateful he was a believer and take comfort in knowing that he has the best seat in the house today. See you again soon, Uncle Dave.
Dave was such a great guy. Always smiling and would do anything for you. He loved the Packers and the Yankees, despite some “less than favorable” recent years. He impacted many people with his genuine and caring personality. It was evident how much he meant to his friends and family by the turn-out at a recent birthday party. He will be missed by so many. Love you Uncle Dave.
I just heard of Dave’s passing and my condolences go out to the entire Retterath family. Dave and I were high school classmates and he was always a joy and fun to be around. We lost touch over the years unfortunately but did run into each other at the 50th class reunion obviously. Dave was a good guy and always fun to be around. In talking to him on the phone about a year ago or so when he called, he told me how important his family was to him. He will be remembered and missed by his Class of 66 classmates for certain. RIP Dave!!!!
I am so sorry that Mark and I will miss David’s funeral, and seeing and visiting with all you family. David was one of the cousins very close to my age – and we spent time together on our farm and their farm near Lawton; a bit of time visiting as families in California MANY years ago; and at family reunions and get togethers over the years. He was such a kind and gentle man. He was unique and very special – with many good qualities from both Wesley and Florence.
My dad, Chuck Rebsch, worked at Houston Engineering with Dave. I remember him talking about their love of fantasy football and Dave’s team the “River Rats!” I hope they are having a beautiful reunion in heaven. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Dave had a great sense of humor and the best Dad jokes (or Grandpa jokes) that put a smile on my face every time. And his laugh was second to none. Contagious laughter is a gift. I love you Uncle Dave.
I am so sorry for your loss donna, and the entire family. I am unable to make it to funeral but thoughts, prayers, and hugs send your way.
Uncle Dave will be greatly missed on this earth by so many people. He was such a man of faith and even with the hardships he endured in life I don’t know if I ever heard him complain. He always had a positive outlook and was so enjoyable to chat with. His love for family was very evident ❤️ We miss you so much already!
Please accept my deepest sympathies. I just learned of Daves passing to his heavenly home. My prayers for peace and comfort to Donna and family. Love you all. Carolyn and Dan Italiano