Frank Rettig

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Frank E. Rettig, 64, of West Lafayette passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2020, at IU Health Arnett Hospital of Lafayette, Indiana.

He was born Sept. 9, 1955, in Lafayette to John and Anna Spitznagle Rettig, one of six children.

Frank was a 1973 graduate of Harrison High School. He continued his education at Purdue University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1977 and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1986.

Frank began his career in the lab at Lafayette Home Hospital before moving to St. Charles, Illinois, and working at Sherman Hospital in Elgin, Illinois. Later, Frank relocated to Denver, where he worked for St. Anthony Hospital and then Denver General, where he retired.

Frank sold his house in Denver, bought a brand-new truck, and took a 52-week USA tour/vacation. He sat down with a compass and drew a circle around Lafayette, as his dream was to live within 600 miles of his parents and family as he would be able to make the trip home in a matter of hours if he was needed. He settled in Perry County, located in Southeast Missouri, near the Mississippi River.

Frank found happiness in the simple things in life: cooking, all animals, gardening, mushroom hunting, traveling and dearly loved his dogs.

Longing for more, Frank returned to work as a medical lab technologist with Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau, re-retiring in 2018.

Frank was such a kind man, his wit and humor brightened your day. In 2018, he left Missouri and moved back to West Lafayette to spend more time with the family he loved so dearly.

Surviving with his mother, Anna M. Spitznagle Rettig, are his siblings, Robert (Sharon) Rettig of Delphi, Indiana, Joanna (Joseph) Fike of Avilla, Indiana, Mark (Vickie) Rettig of West Lafayette and William (Rebecca) Rettig of West Lafayette; sister-in-law, Judy Rettig of West Lafayette; and many cousins. Frank loved spending time with his family, especially his 17 nieces and nephews, 25 great-nieces and -nephews and 10 great-great-nieces and -nephews.

Preceding him in death were his father, John B. Rettig in 2008; brother, Donald J. Rettig in 2019; brother-in-law, Harold E. Ringley in 2005; and great-great-niece, Bella Ann Tolson.

Frank had an extended family in Frohna, Missouri, whom he cherished and loved. Wonderful and caring neighbors, Terry Lin and Fran Scholl, were his Missouri family members. He had a very close co-worker, Colleen Odem, who played a very important role in his work and social life. Frank and his family appreciate all the great people who touched his life. He will be missed very much.

Per Frank's wishes, no services will be held. A private family burial will follow at a later date at Pretty Prairie Cemetery in Battle Ground, Indiana.

Clapper Funeral Services in Brookston, Indiana, is in charge of arrangements.

Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com.