Marquette––Richard J. Retaskie, 72, of 701 Clark Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Monday evening, March 12, 2007, while returning from Hawaii where he was celebrating his 50th wedding anniversary with his wife, Ann.
Dick was born July 3, 1934, in Marquette, to Edward J. and Jean (Young) Retaskie. He resided the majority of his life here in Marquette, except for two years in the Army and three years teaching in Engadine and Howell. He attended the John D. Pierce School from kindergarten through high school, and continued his education at Northern Michigan University where he earned his associate and master degrees. He later served as director of the Jacobetti Vocational Skills Center for thirty-two years, until his retirement. Dick never met a person he did not like and always saw the best in everyone. He loved hunting with his sons and brothers at the “Rat’s Nest” on the Triple A. He also loved fishing, gardening, and traveling. In his spare time he built and remodeled houses.
Dick is survived by his wife of fifty years, Ann Marie (Smith) Retaskie; two sons, Richard Dean Retaskie and Gregory Shawn (fiancée, Jennifer Tavernier and her two daughters, Amber and Autumn) all of Marquette. He was the proud grandfather of eight grandchildren, teaching them all how to fish, drive a car, and make muffins. The grandchildren are Brandi (Ryan) Nummela, Jolene, Shawntel, Katee, Lacey, Amanda, and Heather Retaskie, one grandson, Jesse-Dean Richard Retaskie; two great-grandsons, Rylie and Braxton Nummela; and one great-granddaughter, Chasey Marie Retaskie. Also surviving are his mother, Jean Retaskie; his brothers, Edward J. Retaskie Jr, William (Lola), Gary (Sandy), and Michael (Kim) Retaskie. Dick is also survived by his special nephew and niece, Marty and Mary Ann Marshall, who took Dick and Ann around the world with them, going to such interesting places as Alaska, Panama Canal, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, and the Eastern, Western, and Southern Caribbean. Many other nieces and nephews also survive. Dick was preceded in death by his father and grandparents.
Dick is dearly loved and will be missed every single day.
Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Saturday, March 17, from 10:00 am to 1:30 pm. The Richard Jopling Post #44 of the American Legion will hold a flag presentation at 1:15 pm Saturday in the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 pm Saturday afternoon in St. Peter Cathedral with Rev. Msgr. Louis Cappo, rector, as celebrant. A dessert reception will follow in Cathedral Hall. Pallbearers will be his brothers, Jim and Bill Retaskie; and friends, Walt Anderson, Terry Weigold, Bill Sanderson, and Carl Peterson.