Alvin Rettinger, of Antigo, died Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at Care Partners in Antigo. He was 94 years old. He was born on July 14, 1921 in Antigo, a son of Wolfgang and Elizabeth (Schmoll) Rettinger. He married Virginia Kolpack on December 16, 1944 in Bowler. She survives.
He graduated from Antigo High School with the class of 1939. He attended the Langlade County Normal School for two years and taught all eight grades at Kolpack School in Bowler for a year.
He served in the United States Army Air Corps from June 1942 to December of 1945 having attained the rank of Sergeant.
For 41 years Mr. Rettinger worked at the City of Antigo Water Department retiring as operations manager.
He was a member of Peace Lutheran Church where he served as an Elder and usher. He was a Life Member of the Leland-Tollefson Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2652, and a member of the Sparks-Doernenburg American Legion Post 3, both in Antigo. In 2013 he was honored to participate in the Never Forgotten Honor Flight.
Family functions were valued by Al. He enjoyed woodworking, hunting and four wheeling.
Survivors including his wife are a daughter, Yvonne (Pete) Pennington, Antigo; four grandchildren Tony (Tiffany) Pennington, Shawn (Andrea) Pennington, Travis (Jeni) Pennington, Kimberly (Victor) Fons all of Antigo; nine great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law Pat Rettinger.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four sisters, Christine Drab, Loretta Pansch, Mable Stewart and Elizabeth in infancy, six brothers Norman, Wolfgang Jr. "Bud", Ervin, Gordon, Gilbert, and Melvin Rettinger.
A funeral service will be held on Friday November 20, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Peace Lutheran Church with Rev. David Karolus officiating. Burial will take place in Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. until the time of services on Friday at the church.
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Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
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Antigo, Wisconsin 54409
My condolences to Ginny and Yvonne and family. When I think of Mel I think of A very peaceful man who looked like Uncle Gordy and smiled like him too. I know he loved his family and served as the best great uncle-stand in grandpa to David and Dannielle Dias. I know Gale loves him dearly too. Thank God for Mel and Ginny!
I loved my Uncle Al. When his brother my grandfather Gordon died Uncle Al and Aunt Ginna stepped up to be my Grandparents. They came down for grandparents' day at my school, they sent cards for birthdays and holidays, they gave me a place to sleep when I was in town. They did everything I think Grandpa Gordy would have done. I tried to show them how much this meant to me but I am not sure I did enough. I am deeply saddened that I cannot attend the funeral but know I mourn with all of my family. I love you Uncle Al you were a Great uncle and a Great Grandfather THANK YOU for everything.
Our deepest sympathy Virginia. Will always remember the good times we had together,
especially square dancing. Al was a wonderful man
and will be greatly missed, but I know you have
many many good memories to see you through. God
be with you now and always.
hello, john steffek..green bay wi..sorry to hear about al passing..i got to know al in the mid to late '50'swhen i worked at lunds gas station, now your chamber of commerce building.al came to work after his shift at the water dep;t, for the evening shift.i still recall talking about repars on water line breaks, especially during the cold winters. most people knew me as jack at that time
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