Russell A. Rettger

Russell A. Rettger, age 74 of Leroy Twp., passed away July 25, 2023, at the UHHS Geauga Regional Medical Center in Chardon, OH. He was born on April 2, 1949, in Cleveland, OH. Russ was a Dairy Farmer since 1969. He was involved with the Leroy Fire Department, Lake County Fair Board, Lake County Farm Bureau, and also worked part-time for the FSA. He loved his animals, working with his grandchildren on their 4H projects, and spending many hours with them getting ready for judging day and auction night. His favorite pastime was baking those famous chocolate chip cookies, pies, canning, and watching those old Gunsmoke, Bonanza, and Andy Griffith shows. When he no longer was able to milk cows he began hauling an Amish logging crew. With that, he became well known in the Amish community for them to contact him when it came to emergency rides or any trip needed. He will be missed by many. Myself, Kim, will smile every time I hear the song “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy” and him dancing in Michael’s bedroom to it. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Kimberly Duncan; his former wife, Valerie Rettger, the mother of his 3 daughters and deceased son, Melissa Rettger, Beth Albu, and Amy (Karl) McElfish; grandchildren, Troy C. (Kara) Elam, Kaylie (Tyler) Parrett, Ryan A. Rettger, Jacob D. (Kaleigh) Albu, Colleen F. Albu, Joshua J. McElfish and Alexander Duncan; great-grandchild, Jacoby Oliver Albu; brothers, David (Julie) Rettger and Dennis (Diana) Rettger; sister-in-law, Michelle Duncan, and many other loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Arville (nee Parker) Rettger; son, Russell P. “Russy” Rettger, stepson, Michael Duncan; and brother-in-law Mark Duncan. The family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at the family farm, 13863 Painesville Warren Rd., Leroy Twp., OH 44077. A celebration of life service will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday at the farm. Following the service the family will have a luncheon, you can bring along a side dish to share. Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Mentor, OH. Offer condolences at www.brunners.com.

Russell A. Rettger

April 2, 1949 - July 25, 2023