Norbert Retterath

Thursday, November 5, 2020 12:49 pm

Norbert Anthony Retterath, 87, of Calmar, went to be with the Lord Nov. 4, 2020 at Methodist Hospital, Rochester, following a battle with colon cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Spillville, IA with Rev. Robert Gross presiding.  Burial will be in the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery. 

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church.  Those attending are asked to please wear a mask.     

Norbert was born on Nov. 22, 1932 to Mike and Anna (Heimer) Retterath on the home farm near Meyer, Iowa in Mitchell County. He went to Catholic school through 8th grade in Meyer and two years high school at Visitation in Stacyville. He worked on the family farm two years and then was a cabinet maker for K. J. Retterath in Adams, Minnesota. He worked at John Deere in Waterloo from 1960 until he retired in 1990.

He married Marian Reicks Lensing on Nov. 28, 1987. They lived on the Lensing farm near Spillville where he built a shop and went back to cabinet making for several years.

He is survived by his wife, Marian. Step-children: Wanda Cole, Marvin (LaDeane) Lensing, Joe Lensing, Ivan (Jackie) Lensing, Irene (Dave) Novak, Russell (Audrey) Lensing, Wanita (Bruce) Phillips, Ernie (Sherri) Lensing, Eugene (Julie) Lensing, Tammy (Darrell) Schmitt, Andy (Jill) Lensing.  Several nieces and nephews including Debra (Terry) Tetzner, Brian (Donna) Rose and Judy (Ted Burke) Rose.  Brothers and sisters-in-law: Alex Reicks, Francis (Lucille) Reicks, Ardwin Reicks, Harry (Barb) Reicks, Roy (Carolyn) Reicks, Elsie Swehla, Lorraine Carlson along with numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents. Brothers: Kenneth (Annabelle) Retterath and Donald (Linda) Retterath.  Sister: Dolores (Tom) Krukonis. Step-son: Howard Lensing plus many brothers and sisters-in law.