Edward William Rettke was born Aug. 10, 1935, in Silver Lake Township, rural Martin County, Minn., the son of Edward A. and Malinda (Rasche) Rettke. Ed grew up on a farm in Fraser Township and attended country school. Ed later attended Fairmont High School where he graduated with the class of 1954.

Following his graduation, Ed enlisted in the United States Army where he served his country proudly from 1954 to 1956.

Upon his return home from the military, Ed began working as a shoe salesman for Harold’s Shoe’s in Fairmont.

On Jan. 6, 1973, Ed was united in marriage to Betty J. Hudson at the Grace Lutheran Church in Fairmont, Minn. Together the couple made their home in Fairmont and were blessed with 45 years of marriage prior to Betty’s passing in 2018.

Ed later purchased Harold’s Shoe’s and owned and operated the business for 10 years, selling the store in 1985. Ed also worked at Picsweet and as a custodian at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Fairmont until his retirement in 1997.

Ed was a master craftsman and created many beautiful projects with wood. He was passionate about shoes and found great joy in serving the many customers that he created close relationships with through the years. He enjoyed the quiet time spent fishing and the excitement and laughter with friends playing cards. Ed was an avid Minnesota sports fan and could often be found cheering on the Vikings and Twins.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Barbara (Steve) Elliott, Robert (Tammy) Rettke, and Mark Rettke; grandchildren, Thomas (Michelle) Elliott, Kandi Elliott, Alan Rettke, Nathan Rettke, and Ashley Rettke; great-grandchildren, Taylor Elliott, Conner Elliott, Zachary O’Sell, and Addison O’Sell; as well as many other extended family and friends.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Edward A. and Malinda Rettke; wife, Betty Rettke; two children, Donald Rettke and Linda Rettke; and two sisters, Bonnie Tonne and Charlotte Harrison.

www.lakeviewfuneralhome.net

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