Marlene J. Rettig

Marlene J. Rettig, 86, of Holgate passed away Monday January 22nd at Vancrest Health Center in Holgate.

Marlene was born August 19^th, 1937 in Monroe Township, Henry County to Perry and Alma (Schaper) Rettig. She was baptized, confirmed and a lifelong member of St. John’s United Church of Christ north of Holgate. She attended Florida School 12 years graduating in 1955. Marlene was a long-term and loyal employee at Frost Insurance Agency in Holgate for 39 years.

Marlene enjoyed sports of all kinds both as a participant and observer. She was the first woman in Henry County to bowl a perfect 300 game on May 1^st, 1968 in Holgate. Playing baseball with the nieces, nephews and whoever else happened by out at the farm was a regular occurrence. She and Vandella Huber also annually took those same nieces, nephews and friends to Cleveland Indians baseball games. As those kids grew older, she was a regular attendee of their ball games of every sport. Family cookouts and trips first to Indiana and then to Wisconsin to see Marwood’s family were highlights.

Marlene was always quite active in the church. She loved music and sang in the sanctuary choir for over 60 years starting at age 14. She was often a soloist at weddings and funerals. She was a deacon and served on countless committees. 

Marlene and her circle of friends livened the social scene in Holgate. Van Huber, Carol Swihart, Judy Hohenbrink and Marlene among others were frequent bowlers, card players and restaurant patrons. In later years, the circle included Van, Millie Holzer, Carolyn Clady, Carol Lulfs and Norma Nagel. 

In addition to her parents, Marlene was preceded in death by sister Fern (Lloyd) Yaichner, brother Reverend Marwood (Maxine) Rettig and an infant brother Franklin. She is survived by her brother Roland (Janice) Rettig. Surviving nieces and nephews include Mary (John deceased) Altman, Kathy (Mike) Finkenbiner, Cindy (Randy) Zachrich, Perry (Jeri-Mae) Rettig, Phil (Kathy) Rettig, Liz (Dave) Konczal, Rob (Brenda) Rettig, Nathan Rettig, Jeff Rettig and numerous grandnieces and grandnephews.

Visitation will be Friday January 26^th from 4-7pm at the Zachrich Family Funeral Home in Holgate and an hour before the funeral service at the church. The service will be Saturday the 27th at 11:00 am at St. John’s UCC with Pastor Jeff McCarn officiating. A luncheon will follow the service at the church. Memorials can be made to the church Endowment Fund or Sanctuary Choir.