Elsie (Liz) E. Rettig, 88, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus on November 17th, 2017. She passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family in Frederic, WI.
Liz was born on November 11, 1929 in Medford, WI, and was second to the youngest of twelve siblings. She spent her childhood years growing up east of Ogema at the foot of Timm's Hill, the highest point in Wisconsin, where she enjoyed outdoor activities like skiing.
She attended Prentice High School and transferred to Rib Lake, graduating in 1948. She enjoyed playing basketball and also excelled in art, a skill she practiced her entire life. She painted numerous works of art for sale, and her family and friends will always cherish the beautiful paintings they received.
Liz held a variety of jobs during her life. She began as a dime store clerk in Wausau, a telephone operator in Eau Claire, a Design Artist at Mill Print and a ticketing agent for United Airlines in Milwaukee. She also worked as a Unit Clerk for Marshfield Clinic. Finally, she owned and operated two businesses, one a textile outlet and the other a laundromat/dry cleaner.
She met her husband, Ron, both falling in love at first sight, marrying May 10th, 1959. They bought a home in Brookfield, WI, and raised a son, Jeff and three daughters, Kim, Lisa and Jill.
She was gregarious, having many close friends. Having her husband, four children and eleven brothers and sisters offered an abundant and rich family life. She had a great sense of humor resulting in frequent laughter when friends and family got together.
Liz was the spiritual rock of the family where she instilled in each one a love for the Lord. More than anything she desired each one to receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior and to grow in a personal relationship with Him. This would ensure an eternity together in Heaven, which she spoke of often with anticipation and excitement. She is loved dearly by her friends and family and admired for her strong faith. Some of her last words were... "I want you all to be happy for me. I finally get to see Jesus."
Liz is survived by her children, Jeff (Jenny) Rettig, Kim (John) Klar, Lisa Rettig, and Jill (Jeff) Alden; grandchildren, Jana (Travis) Paetznick, Sean Lokken, Michael and Adam Rich, Kevin, Joshua and Kelsey Klar, Nicole (Anthony) Heggerston, Nathan (Janelle) Sobol, Ashley (Eric) Fritz, Zachary Sobol, Tianna, Moses, Myron, Marquita and Jamesha Sheffel, Tyler, Logan (Lindsey) and Dawson Alden; great-grandchildren, Elsie, Abram, Anya, Isaac, Lauren, Ella and Aylin; a sister, Ruby Wildberg; a brother, Bill Swan; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Liz was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ron; her parents, Oscar and Selma Swan; her brothers and sisters, David, Clifford, Emery, Al, Doug, Reuben, Blanch, Janette and Dorothy.
A memorial service to celebrate Liz's life will be held on Saturday, December 2nd, 1:00 p.m., at Crosswalk Community Church in Frederic. Refreshments to follow.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at
www.rowefh.com . Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic, 715-327-4475 and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown,
www.wicremationcenter.com .
