Obituary of Mary Jean Rettmann

Passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2015 at her home with her family by her side. She was 80 years old. Mary Jean Nelson was born on February 13, 1935 in Traverse City, Michigan to the late Carl Hugo and Alice (Vezma) Nelson. Mary Jean was a 1954 graduate of Saginaw High School. Following high school, she was employed as a secretary working in law, insurance and banking. She married the love of her life, James "Jim" Kenneth Rettmann on April 7, 1956 in Saginaw; he preceded her in death on May 11, 2009. She loved dogs, especially Cocker Spaniels, and rescued several from the Florida Cocker Spaniel Rescue. Mary Jean and Jim enjoyed traveling and treasured the times they spent between their homes in Michigan and Florida. She was a talented cook, but also enjoyed going out to dinner with family and friends. Above all, Mary Jean loved and cherished her family, especially spending time with her children and grandchildren by the lake. Surviving are a son, Kenneth (Susan) Rettmann; daughter, Susan (Dave) Leonard; seven grandchildren: Ryan (Melissa) Rettmann, Erin Rettmann and her fiancé, Stefan Smolenski, Scott (Ashley) Rettmann, Kristen Leonard and her fiancé, James Lower, Steven Leonard, Jacob Leonard and Emily Leonard; and a great-granddaughter, Isla Rettmann. She is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law. Mary Jean is preceded in death by two sons: Daniel and Steven Rettmann; and a sister, JoAnne Zimmerman. FUNERAL: Funeral Liturgy will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn. Rev. Fr. Steve Gavit will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, Michigan, 48603 on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A Vigil Service honoring Mary Jean will take place at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, led by Pastoral Associate, Sharon Wahl. Mary Jean will lie in state at the church on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to American Home Health & Hospice Care, Florida Cocker Spaniel Rescue c/o Carol Cansler 23154 Saint George Place, Land O Lakes, Florida, 34639, or St. Stephen Catholic Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home, church or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.