Forrest Rettmer

Forrest Rudolph Rettmer, 86 of Mankato, found his Eternal Joy on December 4, 2017 surrounded by family at New Perspective Senior Living in Mankato.

Memorial service will be at 11:30 a.m., Monday, December 11, 2017 at Hosanna Lutheran Church with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial at Glenwood Cemetery in Mankato. Mankato Mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements. The family prefers memorials be given to Hosanna Church, Vine Faith in Action, the Bayfield Maritime Museum or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Forrest was born November 27, 1931 to Ralph and Louise (Anderson) Rettmer in Pipestone, MN. He graduated from Mankato High School in 1949. On December 29, 1954 he married his High School prom date, Georgia Stoll. Together they raised 4 children.

Following High School, he attended Mankato State.  He was a member of the Mankato National Guard Medical Company and called into active service in 1951-1953.  He worked for Standard Oil Company 1954-1962. In 1962, he joined National Poly Products as a salesman and retired as CEO of the company in 1991. He was a member of Hosanna Lutheran Church. He and Georgia spent the past 30 summers in Bayfield, Wisconsin and he loved Lake Superior. He was an active member of the Bayfield Coast Guard Auxiliary and a volunteer for the Bayfield Maritime Museum. His greatest loves were Georgia, his children, grandchildren and great-grand children and his boat.

Forrest is survived by his wife, Georgia of 63 years; daughters, Rebecca (Bert Sagara) Rettmer of Lummi Island, Washington and Kimberly (Tim) Rinehart of Le Sueur, Minnesota; sons, Peter (Mary) of Mankato and John of Ferndale, Washington; 8 grandchildren, Rebekah, Hannah, Samuel, Matthew, Jonathan, Nicholas, Haley, and Luke; 4 great-grandchildren, Kade, Lincoln, Bode, and Makenna; and sister, Carol (Dennis) Johnson of Minneapolis. He is preceded in death by his parents.