Allen L. Rettig
April 24, 1943 ~ March 1, 2024
Age 80 of Forest Lake. Passed away peacefully on March 1, 2024.
Preceded in death by parents, August brother, Donald. Survived by loving wife of 56 years, Connie; sons, Lee (Ilka Gilmer), Craig; grandchildren, Elisabeth (Taylor), Jacob, Christian, Hudson, Hannah, Rockford, Victoria, Keira, Emma, Mercedes, Abraham, Benjamin; great-granddaughter, Makaiah; sister-in-law Renee Rettig, nieces, nephews, other relatives & friends.
Allen was born and raised in Hankinson, North Dakota, where he attended primary Catholic school, and Hankinson High School, graduating in 1962. His early formative years included the establishment of many, many life-long friendships. He enthusiastically played high school sports, including track and football, and was known for building and driving fast cars with his buddies. Allen served in the US Army from 1964-1966, including working as a heavy truck driver while stationed in Germany. He then worked various positions in the region driving trucks and helping out on farms, something he grew very fond of doing.
In 1966, he met the love of his life, Connie Berg, from near-by New Effington, South Dakota. They were married and started their family the following year, living in Whapeton, North Dakota. After moving to the Twin Cities in 1968, a second son was born. Allen, Connie, and the boys lived in Fridley, Circle Pines, and Blaine, before finally settling in Forest Lake in 1977, where they have lived since.
His hobbies included dancing with Connie, playing cards, bowling, woodworking, working on cars with Craig, playing sports with Lee, and spending lots of time with his many grandchildren.
His work life included over-the-road truck driving and dock work for several trucking companies – as a proud member of the Teamsters Union. Allen served with the Circle Pines Fire Department and the Forest Lake Fire Department, he was previously an active member of the Forest Lake Band Aids (band boosters), and has attended Faith Lutheran Church, in Forest Lake, for more than four decades.
Allen loved to laugh, was quick to make a joke, and built tight, long-time relationships with many.
A celebration of Allen’s life 11 AM Friday, March 15th with visitation beginning at 10 AM at Faith Lutheran Church, 886 N. Shore Dr., Forest Lake. The service was recorded here.
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March 2016 in Arizona
In my daughters dollhouse sits this small little stool… we met Connie and Al for dinner and he had brought it to give to her… but he wanted to take it home ans stain it and make it better… even though he didn’t have that ability amymore… then he made Connie make a special trip to hand deliver it to us before we left for AZ… what a kind sweet man. I wish we’d known him better…
Allen was a good friend of mine in the 60’s and 70’s the good old younger years, we went to many parties and dances and still a good friend. My sympathy to Connie and the rest of the family
I have worked for Al and Connie the last few years, helping with things around the house that he was no longer able to complete. While working, Al was always there to help, watch, or supervise. We always had a good conversation. His sense of humor and positive outlook on life always amazed me, especially for his condition. I know that he is now at peace, healed, and living well with Jesus.
Always a good visit when he came back to the ol’ hometown of Hankinson. RIP, Allen. Condolences to the family.
I remember Allen helping the Faith Lutheran Church youth group by transporting semi trailers to the church parking lot for our yearly paper drives. Also drove a school bus to the youth groups choir concert in Chicago back in the 1980’s. My sympathies to the Rettig family.
I was fortunate to be Allen Rettig’s eye doctor for several years. At each visit, I enjoyed his cheerful kindness and remarkable positivity; his optimism was inspiring. My condolences to his wife and family.
In our thoughts and prayers
On behalf of the Forest Lake American Legion Post 225, we give thanks for Allen’s military service to our country in the Army. We are looking forward to providing his military honors, March 15th.
Allen and I grew up together, he lived in the house next door. I have so many memories, from little on, he played his trumpet when we Buried goldfish in the garden, going to dances in New Effington, playing Anti I over, throwing the ball over the garage. him coming home after his dates and come over and talked about what they did. our other neighbor across the street, ways listened. she knew what was going on in the neighborhood , My room was on 2nd floor, it wasn’t quiet !!!! I love Allen like a brother, he was such a good friend of mine and later, my husband’s friends. My sympathy to Connie, and his family. may he rest in peace, Maybe he and my husband are having a beer together up there! You and family are in my prayers, God Bless
effington,
Im am so sorry for your loss and wish I could be there.
I miss you Boppie, I was going through some photos and am thinking of you.