July 1, 1922 — June 12, 2014

Richard Hubert Rettic, 91, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Thursday evening, June 12, 2014, in the Cass County Medical Care facility, Cassopolis, Michigan.

He was born July 1, 1922, in Chicago, Illinois to Louis and Esther (Hurst) Rettic. He married Orma June Barcus April 30, 1950, in South Bend, Indiana. She survives.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Donald Rettic.

Dick served in the Army during World War II, receiving several awards, including a Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four bronze service stars with arrowhead, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one bronze service star and a Marksman Badge. Dick was a member of the Disabled American Veterans.

He retired from Bendix Corporation of South Bend, Indiana in December, 1980 after 30 years.

Dick loved chess, cribbage and “da Bears.” He watched football and tennis. Dick loved to sail and play tennis, often beating players much younger than he was. He and his wife enjoyed wintering in Florida. Dick was always involved with his grandkids and taught them to swim and sail on Diamond Lake, where he and his family spent their summers. He loved all water sports. The next to the youngest great-grandchild always called him, “The Great One.”

Dick will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his wife of over 64 years, Orma June (Barcus) Rettic of Cassopolis, Michigan; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Kevin Rossow of Cassopolis, Michigan, and Deborah and Larry Wilson of South Bend, Indiana; one son, Kevin Rettic of Dowagiac, Michigan; nine grandchildren, Jocelyn (Bruno) Rettic-Fontaine and Victor Rettic, both of Manhattan, New York, Heather (Caesar Ramirez) Ellis of Benzonia, Michigan, Phillip (Anita) Wilson of Mishawaka, Indiana, Michael Wilson of South Bend, Indiana, Andrew (Jill) Wilson of Washington, D.C., Carrie (Christopher Knowles) Harrison, Christopher (Teresa) Burnett, and Lacey Shue, all of Niles, Michigan; 13 great-grandchildren, Montana Harrison, Cassandra Harrison, Madisyn Knowles, Colt Knowles, Dayne Burnett, Isabella Burnett, Elouan Fontaine, Raoul Fontaine, Liathano Ramirez, Scarlett Ramierez, Xander Ramierez, Alivia Wilson and Josie Wilson.

The family is especially grateful for the loving care given Dick by the nurses and aides of Cass County Medical Care facility. They enjoyed the many colorful stories that Dick would tell them.

The family will observe a private remembrance. Per Dick’s wishes, cremation will follow.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.