Name: Visitation for Don Foster Rettberg
Start: 2016-03-02T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-03-03T01:00:00.000Z
Location: Rose Hill Funeral Home & Burial Park - Akron

Don Foster Rettberg

Colonel Don F. Rettberg, USAF (retired) is survived by his wife, Jo Ann; his children, Sandra Gordon (Michael) and Don, Jr.; grandchildren, Laura Naples (Christopher), Douglas Burley, and Kristen Giorgi (Jon Paul); great-grandchildren, Catherine and James Naples, and Vivienne Giorgi.

Full obituary may be viewed on the funeral home web site.

VISITATION Wednesday, March 2nd 5 to 8 p.m. in the CATAVOLOS FUNERAL HOME, 3653 W Market St., Fairlawn, Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, March 3rd at 10:30 a.m. in St Mary Catholic Church, 340 N Main St., Hudson, Ohio. Please meet at church. Online condolences may be view and expressed at www.catavolosfuneralhome.com

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

Published by Akron Beacon Journal on Mar. 1, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Don Rettberg

Sponsored by Akron Beacon Journal.

30 Entries

Judy Marshall

September 16, 2019

So sorry to hear about your loss. Don was such a wonderful person. Prayers for the family.

Jeff Crow

July 21, 2016

Dear Mrs. Rettberg (Jo), Sandy, Don Jr., and Mike,

I am sorry about the loss of Colonel Rettberg. He is one of the best men I have ever known. Extremely friendly and genuinely caring. I believe he was probably my Dad's best friend. The Colonel, Don, was so great to me as a kid and later as an adult. He watched out for us after my father Fred Crow got shot down over Hanoi and became a POW. I can remember visiting the Rettbergs outside of Andrews AFB growing up, with Don showing me his Penn State football player "bobble head." Many years later, it was great seeing him at Jamestown, VA with Don, Jr. as we visited the Colonial Williamsburg area. I am thinking of all of you and Don.

Doug Lueck

April 27, 2016

I occasionally electronically wander down memory lane seeking others who were stationed at Aviano AB. Saddened to find Capt (as I knew him) Rettberg's obit.

Condolences to Jo and family.

Indeed, he was a good person. As my commander he did nothing more than get mad as heck at me for not shaving off a beard I had cultivated while on leave and which he caught me sporting while briefly back on base. Another episode of my errant youth!

BTW, love the Aviano photo of Sandy and him next to the Beetle!

Admin Specialist, Det 19, 31st Weather Squadron,1963-66; [email protected]

Suzanne McFarlane

March 19, 2016

Jo and Don Jr. we wanted to let you know that we are saddened by your loss. You all make the world a richer place and Don is missed. I miss having you in our neighborhood and pray for your comfort in this time of loss for you. (I also want to thank you for giving us the delightful sweet family that now occupies your home)

With love and sweet thoughts,
Suzanne and John McFarlane

March 6, 2016

Dear Jo and Don Jr.

Mr. Dan and I are so sorry to hear of your loss. Your family brought so much love and happiness to those here in Austin at St. Theresa's. We are praying for your family. We love you, and will continue to keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Love and peace in Christ,

Ann Marie and Dan Girardot

March 5, 2016

Dear Jo and Donnie, we were shocked when Harvey opened to the obituary page of the Austin paper and saw Don's name. I heard Harvey's voice break and then we sat silently and wiped our tears. We have not seen you all in a while, but you have always been in our hearts. I know there will be a spot in your hearts that will be very empty, but I pray that the Lord Jesus Christ will fill that spot with his peace as only he can do. May he fold you in his arms and hold you close. Harvey, Martha, and JP Walker.

Ruth Hansen

March 5, 2016

Dear Jo, Donnie and family,

We are so sorry for your loss. Don was such a pillar of the Special Needs families and such an inspiration. Donnie, he was so proud of you and I know you will continue to honor him in all that you do. Sending our love and prayers, Howard, Ruth and Andrea Hansen

Clayton Austin

March 4, 2016

Jo, Don Jr. and Family,

Our condolences on Don's passing. The stories Zuria would tell - always expressing your humor and compassion. Don truly made the world a better place.

The Austin Family

Jacque King

March 3, 2016

Colonel Rettberg's son, Don, worked at the LCRA, which is where I work. I met the Colonel only once, and he made such an impression on me that I write this with tears flowing down my cheeks. His beautiful smile and positive aura, shined around him like a halo, which immediately drew me in. What a precious gift he must've been to his family! I know you will miss him immensely and I will pray for your comfort and peace. I know God has welcomed this Angel with a huge celebration of heavenly proportions!!!
God bless you all. Jacque King (A/P dept. LCRA)

John Warrington

March 2, 2016

Dear Colonel, Godfather, & Uncle,

Thank you for teaching me valuable life lessons from the importance of a firm handshake, to not be afraid to stand up for what is right, to serve your country with pride, and what honor and true valor means. Thank you for taking the time to teach a little boy the parts of airplane, military traditions, and the great importance of faith and family above all. Before I left for the Gulf War, you gave me a bible that Grandfather carried in World War I, and you carried in Vietnam, and I will always cherish it. You may be gone, but you will never be forgotten, and I am glad you now have the peace that you earned and deserve. I am glad you are now with family that have gone before us and are enjoying the camaraderie of the men that you once flew jets with. I will miss you greatly and I salute you!

Love,
John

U.S. Army

March 2, 2016

Our deepest sympathy for your loss. We are so glad you moved back to OH to be with family. It helps at a time like this. Geri Mosher and Donald

March 2, 2016

Don was the most honorable man I have met. His devotion to his family was never ending. His Patriotism is unquestioned. He gave a little bit of himself to everyone he met. His advocacy for individuals with developmental challenges may have been his greatest legacy. It was a privilege and an honor to have worked with Don.

Jay Aalsma, RN

Jan Lewis

March 2, 2016

Jo, Sandy and Don, Jr. -

We send our sympathy and many prayers. We know that your deep faith, you so generously share with others, will sustain you in days to come.

Love,

Scott, Jan and Joshua Lewis
Austin, TX

Patti Bizzell

March 2, 2016

To Jo, Don Jr. and Sandy and family our sincere condolences. Don was a wonderful person who served our country and then Austin, Texas in so many meaningful and successful capacities. We are grateful for his friendship and his dedication to helping others. Patti and Bradley Bizzell.

Lori Soward-Adams

March 1, 2016

Colonel Rettberg, you will be missed by the staff of American Intl Traveler. When you would burst through the front door of the agency, our day would always improve because of your kindness and wonderful sense of humor. Wished I had told you then how much of an inspiration you were to me during my early 20's when I was searching for direction in life. You have always been on my mind all of these years later because I'd never met such a joyful human being. I hope I can spread joy to others as you did, you will be a tough act to follow. God bless your beautiful wife & all of your family. Lori Soward-Adams

Nancy Atkinson

March 1, 2016

All of your friends are thinking of you at this difficult time. We send our sincere condolences. Don - Your Dad was an amazing man, and you are just as amazing. Hugs to you'all -

david tropea

March 1, 2016

My deepest sympathy to the family on the passing of a great man. He was one of a kind faithfully serving God, his country, his community and his loving family.

Krista Umscheid-Ramirez

March 1, 2016

The parents of children with developmental delays and disabilities have benefited greatly from Don's many contributions to the Austin-Travis County community. Don's legacies, including the Infant-Parent Training Center, will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those with special needs. His huge heart will be greatly missed by many of us, but his caring, compassionate nature lives on within his son, Don Jr., who is one of the kindest people I know. Your extended Austin family is sending many thoughts and prayers to all the Rettbergs.

March 1, 2016

Jo, Sandy and Don Jr,

My deepest sympathies to all of you. Don will be missed by so many people. His legacy is wide and deep.

Susan Eason

Gina Jerram

March 1, 2016

Our deepest condolences to the Rettberg family during this very sad and difficult time. You are all in our prayers, and special hugs to you, Don, Jr.

Susanna Sustare

March 1, 2016

Several years ago I had the chance to be Don Jr.'s Supervisor at the LCRA, during which I became very close to his family, and spending lots of time with them outside of work.

Don Sr. is the kind of man that everyone can look up to...a stunning role-model, true pillar of the community, loving and adoring husband, and the most connected, involved, and proud father anyone could ask for.

I know how deep this loss is for everyone that he touched, and my heart goes out to all of his friends and family. I became a better person knowing you Mister Rettberg. RIP.
-Susanna Sustare Rachut

March 1, 2016

Lisa Allgood

March 1, 2016

So very sorry for the loss of a Fabulous Husband, Father, Grandfather & Friend for so many. I remember his as a very Special Man that we prayed for greatly during Vietnam Nam. The Family was so very proud of him and the Man that he was. There must be a great Family Reunion in Heaven as my Dad Ernie Rettberg Welcomes him in. Love to all- Lisa Rettberg Allgood

Joene Grissom

March 1, 2016

Jo and family,
I want to extend my deepest condolences to all of you. Don was one of the most caring and giving person I knew. I loved working with him of the Early Childhood Intervention program and have fond memories of all of our discussions.
My prayers and thoughts are with you all.

Cheryl, Patrick & Claire Fries

March 1, 2016

Dear Jo, Don Jr. and Sandy,

We are so very sorry for your loss - and ours. We are among the many very fortunate families who benefited from Don's friendship and the dedicated efforts he (and you) have made on behalf of children with disabilities in Austin. His tremendous life of service to his family, his community, and his nation, and his positive and enthusiastic approach to life will continue to inspire all who had the pleasure to know him. If we can be half as good at being human as was Colonel Rettburg, we will consider ourselves accomplished. Much love to you all.

Don and family gathering for Don Jr.'s Keynote speech at the first Down syndrome conference in Krakow, Poland.

Carl Shepherd

March 1, 2016

Michael Lauderdale

March 1, 2016

Don, Jr. and Jo,

Camille, Marisa and Michael send our thoughts and prayers.

Michael Lauderdale
Austin, Texas

Sandy Gray

February 29, 2016

Dear Loved Ones-
I had the privilege of speaking with Don on the phone each week when he called his "Grandson-in-Law", Christopher Naples. What an honor it was to know such a kind, loving, and wonderful man. I will never forget our conversations! I am so very sorry for your loss. May God bless and keep you during this most difficult time.

February 29, 2016

Dear Family of Don,

We extend our deepest condolences on the loss of your husband and father. May your beautiful memories sustain you and bring you comfort during this time. We will never forget his love of others and the big smile he so willingly shared with us and others.

We offer our blessings, love, and prayers; please know we are here for you. Don will be missed!

Pat & Georgiana

David Tucker

February 29, 2016

Dear Brother-in-law...What a hero and special person you were!!! Thanks for the service you gave to this country, your dedication to the individuals with Down syndrome, and the love and warmth you gave to your family. You not only hold a special place in the hearts of the Tucker family but of many families!!!

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