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James Tretter Obituary

Tretter, James David
76, of Phoenix, AZ (formerly of Springfield, IL) passed away after a battle with cancer on March 17, 2012. He was of the Catholic faith, and a member of Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral. He was born in Gillespie, IL on December 25, 1935 to Albert and Anna Tretter. He married Bernice M. Limper on February 24, 1962. He graduated from Gillespie High School, and took courses at Eastern Illinois University. He was a member of the Illinois National Guard. In addition to his wife, Bernice, he is survived by his five children: daughters Carla (Gregg) Curry, Catherine (Chris) Curry, Susan (R.P.) Bonham, sons David (Tammi) Tretter and Michael Tretter. He was very proud of his nine grandsons: Alex, Max and Luke Curry, Michael and Will Curry, Grant and Jackson Tretter, and Brooks and Gage Bonham. Also surviving is one sister, Clara Parker of Granite City, IL, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was employed as a claims adjuster and supervisor with Country Finance for over 35 years, a place where he made many lifetime friends, and which furthered his curiosity in home improvement and automobile restoration. He rebuilt and enjoyed owning over 60 classic automobiles, ranging from 60's muscle cars to foreign convertibles. In addition, he had a lifetime fascination with electronics beginning with building crystal radios in the 1940's as a boy, which continued into later years with an interest in the latest computer and TV technologies. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and an exemplary role model in preparing his children in how to lead a successful and happy life. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Michael, Joseph and Albert Tretter; two sisters, Elizabeth Meyers and Catherine Tretter, and a nephew. Donations in Jim's memory can be made to Homeward Bound at www.HomewardboundAZ.org. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 22, 2012 at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 North 27th Avenue. Please visit www.hansenmortuary.com for online condolences.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic on Mar. 21, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
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Bro. Delmar Jorn, SM

March 15, 2023

Dear Bernice, Not sure you know that Frankie Jorn is in hospice care due to deadly cancer. Also that Mary Ernst Lauer died a month ago. Hope to hear from you. Bro. Delmar Jorn

Delmar Jorn

March 15, 2021

I am thinking of Jim and especially you, Bernice. I am back in the US and hope to get in touch with you. Prayers for Jim, you and the family. Love, Bro. Delmar

Helen Marin

April 4, 2012

Dear Bernice,we are so sorry to hear that your husband passed. You are in our thoughts and prayers, with our deepest condolences,
Helen & Hector Marin

April 4, 2012

Dear Bernice and family,
My brother, Don, informed me of Jim's death. I was glad he was able to attend the wake. My prayers are with you in this time of loss and of course for Jim's eternal rest. I am happy I got to visit with you in Phoenix and sorry we have not stayed in touch.
love and prayers, Bro. Delmar

Shirley Long

March 29, 2012

Bernice,

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. I worked with Jim as an adjuster in Sangamon County. He will be greatly missed.

Steven and Catherine Spearie

March 29, 2012

Dave, Sorry for the loss of your father. You and your family are in our prayers.

Joann Forkin

March 28, 2012

Sue, I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. I will forever cherish the memories of him in High School and College. My prayers to you and your Mom and the whole family. Love and Prayers. Jo and Family

Sue Goering

March 28, 2012

Bernice, we heard from Dave that Jim was not well. Words cannot express how sorry we are for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Sue and Warren

Pam McGowan

March 28, 2012

Tretter family,

I was employed at Christian County Farm Bureau and Country Companies in Taylorville, IL in the '80's and had the pleasure of meeting and working with Jim at that time. He was a very fine gentleman.

May the memories you shared bring smiles to your faces and help you through this sad time.

In sympathy,
Pam McGowan
Rochester, IL

Angie Keefner-Grieser

March 28, 2012

Sue, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear dad! Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family now and always.

Ralph Hanauer

March 28, 2012

Cathy and Dave, I am sorry for the loss of your father. Our prayers are with you and your family.--Ralph and Lisa Hanauer

Carroll Kreis

March 28, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

March 22, 2012

Dave -- my deepest condolences to you and your family. I can only imagine what a source of comfort and pride you were for your dad.

Warmly -- Lesley Slavitt and the Roosevelt University Community

ken vadnal

March 22, 2012

Bernice:
I can't believe he is really gone. I just talked to him a couple of weeks ago and he sounded pretty good. I will miss him especially at Cardio Rehab. He always had a dumb joke or a smart remark to make about something. :)
He was always the life of the place and everyone loved him. He truly was a great guy and will be missed by everyone that has ever known him. I am still in shock as I am sure you are.
My best to you and your kids.

Ken

March 22, 2012

My deepest sympathy - Mary Ellen Mitchell (Garrett) former classmate and neighbor. Westminster, CA

Jessica Donnerstein

March 22, 2012

We're so sorry for your loss.
Love, the Donnersteins

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