Armand “Denny” Rettke

Armand “Denny” Rettke

August 5, 1924 ~

November 27, 2012

Armand Dennis “Denny” Rettke, age 88 of Park Rapids, MN formerly of Grand Forks, ND passed away on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at Care Age Assisted Living near Park Rapids, MN.

Denny was born on August 5, 1924 in Niagra, ND to Herman and Augusta (Schultz) Rettke. It was in this same area that he attended county school and grew into manhood. As a young man, Denny worked for area farmers helping with livestock and field work. He entered the United States Navy in 1942 where he bravely served his country during WWII. Upon receiving his honorable discharge, Denny returned to North Dakota where he gained employment working as a brakeman for the Great Northern Railroad in a career that spanned over 38 years. On August 24, 1949, Denny was united in marriage to Donna Marie Gracie in Crookston, MN. Their union was blessed with 4 children: Al, Arlen, Renee and Donna Mae. The Rettke’s made their home in Grand Forks until 1971 when they moved to a hobby farm near Arvilla, ND where they raised and boarded horses. In 1987, they moved to their daughter, Donna Mae’s farm near Neilsville, MN. They lived there until 1993, when they moved to Bemidji, MN. Denny’s life was forever saddened by the death of his wife, Donna on October 19, 1997 following a short battle with cancer. Denny loved the out of doors; especially when he could be out hunting or fishing. He was a member of the Bemidji Eagles Club.

He will be lovingly remembered by his 4 children: Al (Joey) Rettke of Maplewood, MN, Arlen Rettke of Madson, WA, Renee of Thief River Falls, MN and Donna Mae (Bob) Torgerson of Park Rapids, MN; 7 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; sister, Betty Rettke of Rice Lake, WI; 2 brothers: Kenny (Patsy) Rettke of Rice Lake, WI and Dick (Patty) Rettke of Punta Gorda, FL; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Augusta; his wife, Donna; his sister, Edith; 1 brother in infancy; granddaughter, Tina Marie and daughter-in-law, Cathy.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at the Jones-Pearson Funeral Home in Park Rapids, MN.

Visitation will be held for one hour prior the service on Saturday.

Interment will be held at the Greenwood Cemetery in Bemidji, MN.

To leave online condolences or view the video tribute, please visit www.jonespearson.com.

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