Alma M. Retterath, 94
Alma M. Retterath, 94, died on May 25, 2009 at St. Marys Hospital in Rochester, Minn.
Alma Mary Retterath was born on Nov. 30, 1914 in St. Ansgar, Iowa to George and Theresa Firsching, she was one of nine children. She attended the Stacyville Catholic School until eighth grade. On Dec. 30, 1939 she was united in marriage to Bernard “Barney” Retterath in Cicero, Ill. To this union six sons were born. Alma spent many hours helping her husband and family on their farm. She was known to pitch in and help with whatever was needed, a true “Jack of all Trades”. Alma loved to help Barney, Sr. with the Apiaries and often reminisced about trips they would take to deliver their bees and honey. One of Alma’s greatest accomplishments was when she earned her High School G.E.D. at the age of 63. Alma’s family came first and foremost in her life. She loved to spend time with her sons, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Perhaps some of her most cherished times were spent fishing, going for airplane rides, traveling and cooking with her family. Alma also enjoyed playing any and all card games with her friends, reading, bowling and watching soap operas and game shows on TV. She was a member the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville, Iowa and was a former member of numerous circles.
Alma is survived by her children, Barney (Betty) Retterath, Meyer, Steve (Janice) Retterath, Boca Raton, Fla., Bill Retterath, Delray, Fla., Tom (Sharon) Retterath, Oak Park, Minn., Bob Retterath, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; 13 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; siblings, Laura Firsching, San Pedro, Calif., Gertrude (Fred) Retterath, Austin, Theresa Ungaro, San Pedro, Calif., Joe Firsching, Mason City; sister-in-law, Cordella Frisching, Stayville; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
Alma is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Barney Sr.; son, David “Huns” Retterath; daughter-in-law, Rachel Retterath; great-granddaughter, Cecilia Retterath; brothers, Lawrence (Elvira) Firsching, George Firsching; sisters, Rose (Art) Rauen, Margaret (Louie) Schmitt; sister-in-law, Helen Firsching and brother-in-law, Frank Ungaro.
A funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2009 at Visitation Catholic Church, 605 North Broad Street, Stacyville, Iowa, with the Reverend John Moser as Celebrant. Burial will be in the Visitation Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at the Visitation Catholic Church in Stacyville. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alma M. Retterath Memorial Fund. Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel of Mason City, Iowa is in charge of arrangements.