Mary L. Rettler

Mary Louise Rettler, age 77, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. She is finally at home with Jesus and her loving husband, Sam. She was born on May 9, 1946 in the Town of Lessor, Wisconsin to the late Joel and Rose (Buchberger) Ward. She attended a one room school house through the eighth grade, and then went on to graduate from Seymour High School. On April 8, 1967 she married Samuel Rettler. They were fortunate to have 51 wonderful years of marriage together before Sam passed away in November of 2018. Mary enjoyed watching her Wisconsin sports teams but her favorite teams were the ones her grandchildren were on. She worked as a caterer for many years and that carried through to her love of cooking. Mary cooked for any occasion. She also enjoyed gardening and looked forward to her daily conversations with her sisters and her best friend, Jan Allen. She was a loving mother and grandmother, caring for her grandchildren in her home. Mary was a dedicated and loving wife to Sam, and cared for him for many years.
She is survived by her children; Melissa (Jerry) Monnier, Brad (Michelle) Rettler and Chad (Betsy) Rettler, grandchildren; Noah (Hannah) Wurzer, Bethany (Austin) Summerfield, Aaron Wurzer, Jarrad (fiancée Kylee Olson) Rettler, Anna, Clare and Ethan Rettler, step grandchildren; Allen (Rissa) Brittany, Carissa, Katelyn (Matt) and Tori. Mary is further survived by her great grandchildren; Wrenley and Ellie and seven step great grandchildren, her sisters and brothers; Nancy Piccolo, Glen (Yvonne) Ward, Joan Abel, Mina Landsverk, Dan (Cindy) Ward and Anita (Ray) Theobald and Lisa Ward, brothers and sisters in law; Joyce (Wayne) Heim, Colleen Ward, Sandy Rettler and Bill (Mary Ann) Rettler as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Preceding her in death are her parents, her husband, Sam, her father and mother in law, Milo and Caroline Rettler, brothers and sisters; David Ward, William Ward, Carl (Luella) Ward, Janice (Kenneth) Trettin, Ivan "Bud" Ward, Pat Ward and Debbie (Bill) Dicke. Mary is also preceded in death by her brothers in law; Domenico Piccolo, Robert Abel, Bruce Landsverk and Terry Rettler and great grandson, Levi.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30am, Wednesday, December 27, 2023 at St. Joseph Catholic Parish, 404 W. Lawrence St. Mary's family will receive relatives and friends at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St., Appleton on Tuesday, December 26, 2023 from 3:30 to 6:30pm. Visitation will continue on Wednesday at 9:00 until 10:15am at the church. Interment will be at Elm Lawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established.
The family would like to thank all of the staff and caregivers at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center, Appleton, Appleton Retirement Community, Fresenius Kidney Care, Appleton and Moments Hospice as well as friends and family that would take her to dialysis.