Karen R. Rettig

Karen Renee Parry Rettig, 83, of Hanover, Kansas, passed away peacefully on November 8, 2025, at the Hanover Long Term Care Facility.

Born January 3, 1942, in Clay Center, Kansas, to Lloyd and Loretta Parry, Karen graduated from Marysville High School. She later married the love of her life, Edgar “Ed” D. Rettig, and together they shared nearly 60 wonderful years. From their marriage came four beloved children.

Karen devoted her life to her family, finding joy in raising her children and later in spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A lifelong reader, she was rarely without a book in hand and loved sharing her passion for reading with the younger generations.

She had many interests—gardening, tending to her roses, raising honeybees for a time, and serving as a Girl Scout leader. For many years, Karen worked as the school librarian in Hanover before retiring. She was a member of the Hanover American Legion Auxiliary and Zion Lutheran Church.

Karen will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, and creativity. She enjoyed photography, painting, and sketching, often creating gifts for family and friends. She loved following her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and cheering on Kansas teams of all kinds. She cherished the friendships she formed over the years, enjoying countless cups of coffee—or the occasional glass of wine—shared in laughter and conversation.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant sibling; her brother, Linn Parry; and her husband, Ed Rettig.

Survivors include her children: Julie (Scott) Jueneman of Hanover; Ellen (Steve) Yarber of St. Peters, MO; Kent (Rhonda) Rettig of Olathe; and Kurt Rettig of Overland Park; grandchildren: Jordan (Billy) Griffith, Lindsey (Jay) Frerking, Trevor (Shelby) Jueneman, Devin Jueneman, Chris Yarber, Katie (Josh) Anderson, Ryan (Emily) Yarber, Samantha (Ethan) Meyers, and Sydney (Trey) Turner; brother, John (Vicki) Parry; sister-in-law, Ronda Parry; fourteen great-grandchildren; and three nieces.

Karen’s legacy of love, laughter, and learning will live on in all who knew her.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 22 at Zion Lutheran Church in Hanover.  Private burial will be in the Hanover Cemetery.

In memory of Karen, the family will designate how memorial contributions will be used within the Hanover community. Contributions may be sent in care of Hanover Mortuary, c/o Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.