Martin Henry Rettig

Martin Henry Rettig was born December 2, 1925, in Glencoe, Minnesota to parents Frederick and Ida Rettig. He peacefully departed this world on November 12, 2024, at Salmon’s Place Senior Care in Alexandria, Minnesota, where he had resided for the last four years.

Raised on the family farm in Brownton, Minnesota, Martin attended country school through the eighth grade. A sense of duty and patriotism led him to enlist in the Army, where he served from 1952 to 1955. During his time in the Korean Conflict, he spent two years stationed in Kyoto, Japan, proudly serving as a security guard for codes.

 Upon completing his military service, Martin returned to Brownton, where he met and fell in love with Lucille Daleske. They were united in marriage on June 2, 1957, beginning a partnership that would last for decades. Together, they nurtured a loving family, welcoming three children into their lives: sons Mark and Bruce, and daughter Joanne. The family flourished in Brownton until they made the significant decision to relocate to Alexandria, Minnesota, in 1973.

Martin’s professional life was dedicated to his work as a truck driver. He began by hauling grain before transitioning to gas transport. Beyond his professional commitments, Martin found joy in simple pleasures; he was an avid fisherman, an enthusiastic gardener, and enjoyed the delicate art of embroidery sewing. Additionally, he took great pride in being a member of First Lutheran Church, where he engaged deeply with his faith and community.

He is survived by his three children: Mark (Pam) Rettig, Bruce (Jolette) Rettig, and Joanne (Michael) Bianco. Martin was also a proud grandfather to Brandon (Stacy) Rettig, Nicole (Michelle) Remer, Shannon (Matthew) Chan, Blake Rettig, Benjamin (Rachel) Rettig, Antonio (Casey) Bianco, Quintin Bianco, and Dijon Bianco. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Eli and Kane Rettig, Piper, Aidan, Cooper and Scarlett Chan, Jack, Hudson, and Bodie Rettig. Martin also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Mary Klopp, along with other relatives and friends who held him dear.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife, Lucille Rettig who passed away on January 10, 2009; his parents, Frederick and Ida Rettig; brothers Otto and Ray Rettig; sister Ruth Rettig; as well as granddaughters Victoria Rettig, Cheryl Rettig, and Ashleigh Rettig, along with other relatives and friends.

The community is invited to honor Martin’s memory with visitation on November 18, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. Both events will take place at First Lutheran Church, located at 1655 S McKay Ave, Alexandria, MN 56308. Interment will follow at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery in Carlos, Minnesota, at 2:30 PM.

 Martin Henry Rettig’s warm spirit and enduring love for his family will be profoundly missed by all who knew him.