February 11, 2024 – Washington County, WI – James E. Rettler “Jim” age 87, of Hartford Wisconsin, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024.
Jim was born on April 24, 1936, to his parents Alex and Frances (nee Sterr) Rettler on his Homestead in Hartford WI. He was united in marriage to his wife of 57 years Janice Hansen on October 1, 1966, at St. Kilian’s Catholic Church.
Jim farmed all of his life, as well as working for Thimm Trucking, hauling milk in his earlier years. After farming, he worked at Infalt’s Sales & Service and Hartford Automotive. Jim proudly served our country in the 32nd National Guards for 8 years. He enjoyed spending time up north at the lake in Shawano watching his grandchildren fish.
Jim is survived by his wife, Janice; children, Julie Rettler (John), Jill (Dean) Rettler-Schmidt, Joe (Kelly) Rettler; grandchildren, Hayden Rettler and Griffin Rettler; siblings, Carlene (Gene) Schuster, Harvey (Lucy) Rettler, Allen (Delores) Rettler; siblings-in-law, David (Maureen) Hansen, Bob (Jane) Hansen, Tom (Carolyn) Hansen, Jim (Mary) Hansen, Kurt (Roxy) Hansen, Louise Hansen, Mary (Jim) Gutschenritter, Daryl (Sandy) Krause, Lisa (Bill) Schicker, Brenda (Dan) Schultz, and Janet Rettler; he is further survived by many loved nieces, nephews, family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents Alex and Frances Rettler; brother, Jeff Rettler; parents-in-law, Roman and Ruth Hansen; siblings-in-law, Linda Krause, Richard Hansen, and Kay Hansen; and beloved friend Butch Schmitt.
Memorial Mass for Jim will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at St. Kilian’s Catholic Church (428 Forest St, Hartford, WI 53027) at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. David LaPlante officiating. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow Mass at the Iron Ridge Inn (131 S Main St, Iron Ridge, WI 53035) at 12:30 p.m. until 3:00pm.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Horizon Home Care & Hospice for the care they provided in his final days.
