Diane Marie Rettke

Diane M. Rettke passed away peacefully at Tranquility Estate Living Center in Troutman, North Carolina, surrounded by her loving family.

Born to Fred and Pauline Hays, Diane was raised with strong family values that carried through her entire life. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Roy “Butch” Rettke; her parents; and her brother, Pat Hays.

She is lovingly remembered by her sister, Linda Browning of Pennsylvania; her brothers, Doug (Cindy) Hays of Tennessee, and Tim (Karen) Hays of Missouri; her two sons, Michael (Kelly) Rettke of Minneapolis, MN, and James (Laura) Rettke of Concord, NC; four adored grandchildren, Ben Rettke of St. Paul, MN, Cole (Samantha) Hanson of Minneapolis, MN, Owen Rettke and Lucas Rettke of Concord, NC; and four great-grandchildren, Mila, Cora, Ava, and Luca Hanson of Minneapolis, MN.

Diane lived a full and joyful life, guided by love, faith, and family. After graduating from high school, she began her professional journey with the local phone company in Decatur, IL. As she and Butch raised their family in Decatur, Illinois, Diane dedicated herself not only to her children but also to her community, working in local school cafeterias and later establishing a long career as a trusted bank teller with various credit unions in both Decatur and Charlotte, NC.

In 2003, Diane made the move from Illinois to North Carolina to be closer to her grandchildren—a role she embraced wholeheartedly. Her boundless love for her family was evident in everything she did. She was deeply involved in their lives, attending games, school events, and celebrations with joy and enthusiasm.

Diane had a vibrant spirit and never met a stranger. She lit up every room with her humor, warmth, and genuine kindness. She loved to play games, travel, bowl, golf, and spend quality time with her many friends and loved ones. A woman of strong faith, Diane was a dedicated member of her church community, volunteering often and sharing her love of faith by teaching catechism classes to youth.

Above all, Diane will be remembered as a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished grandmother, treasured great-grandmother, and dear friend. Her legacy of kindness, humor, and grace will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Flowers may be sent in Diane’s memory to: Hartsell Funeral Home at 460 Branchview Dr NE,Concord, NC 28025

(Please have them delivered C/O Diane Rettke by August 27, 2025)

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 1:30pm at St. James the Greater Catholic Church located at 139 Manor Ave. SW, Concord, NC 28025 officiated by Deacon Mark. Burial will follow after the service at St. James the Greater Catholic Cemetery located at 2323 Gold Hill Rd., Concord, NC 28025.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for donations to be made to one of Diane’s favorite organizations:

St. James the Greater Catholic Church under the Parish Information Tab/ Finance: https://www.saintjamescatholic.org/

Dementia Society of America: https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate

Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord is serving the Rettke family.