John R. Rettkowski

John R. Rettkowski, age 86 of Tigerton, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday evening, June 28, 2025. 

John was born October 13, 1938 in Tigerton, WI, son to the late Otto and Hazel (Kellbach) Rettkowski. He and his twin sister, Joan, were born in the family farmhouse off Tower Road in the town of Fairbanks. It was here that John, along with his sister and 3 brothers, developed his love of the outdoors. He attended school in Tigerton. 

John proudly served in the United States Army National Guard of Wisconsin. After his honorable discharge from the Guard, he worked for General Motors in Janesville and later, Torborgs Lumber in Clintonville. John and his first wife Dianna (Casper) owned and ran the Gamble Store in Tigerton for many years. John also worked for the Village of Tigerton and was a member of the local volunteer fire department and the American Legion Post #239. He was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed coyote hunting with the local gang. John loved to watch shows about nature and enjoyed cheering on the Green Bay Packers. 

John married Beverly Jean (Redman) Meverden on June 30, 2006. They resided at their home along the Embarrass River which John built in 1985. Special thanks to his caregiver, Terresa, and the staff at Heartland Hospice for allowing him to stay in the home that he loved for his final days. 

John is survived by his twin sister Joan Kersten, and brother Ronald Rettkowski, 
Nieces and nephews: Kathy (Steve) Breaker, Pam (Mark) Rostagno, Todd (Lisa) Rettkowski, Jodi Rettkowski, Dan (Debbie) Rettkowski, Lisa (Mike) Beggs, and Lori (Mark) Warren, 
Sisters-in-law: Kathy Thiel & Ann Griepentrog, Special friend and caregiver: Terresa Gurholt. 

John was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Beverly, brothers Otto, Jr. and Ervin, sister-in-law Shirley Rettkowski and brother-in-law Herman Kersten.

John’s memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home (127 Cedar Street, Tigerton) with Pastor Clifford Kessen officiating. Military honors will be conducted outside of the funeral home following the service by members of the Tigerton American Legion Post# 239. Visitation will take place at the funeral home beginning at 10:00am until the time of service at 11:00am. A private internment will take place at a later date. 

“A man must have a place to go where his mind and soul are free. If he’s lucky enough to find that door then God will turn the key. The river is my secret spot, its banks run clear and strong. And each time I return to them, I know that I belong.”

 The Eberhardt-Stevenson Funeral Home & Crematory, Tigerton is serving the family. An online guestbook is available at eberhardtstevenson.com .