Marquete––- Gary Jon Retaskie, 65, of 323 Center Street, Marquette, entered eternal life Wednesday evening, July 11, 2007, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Gary was born July 3, 1942, in Marquette, a son of Edward J. and Jean (Young) Retaskie, and was a lifelong Marquette resident. He was a graduate of the John D. Pierce High School and, following graduation, entered into an apprenticeship program through Union Local #414 Plumbers and Pipefitters. Upon completion of his apprenticeship, he was employed as a journeyman pipefitter, working throughout the Midwest, for over 35 years. He retired in 1997. In his leisure, Gary enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting antiques, and camping. He was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church and a 45 year member of Union Local #111 Plumbers and Pipefitters.
Survivors include his wife, Sandy L. (Anderson) Retaskie, whom he married January 4, 2002; his daughter, Jacalyn Retaskie of Marquette; three sons, Kurt (Kathy) Retaskie of Skanee, Dan (Connie) Retaskie of Marquette, and Greg Retaskie of Halfway Location; a step-daughter, Lisa Remington of Negaunee; three step-sons, Scott (Lisa) Brady of Crystal Falls, Michael (Kate) Brady of Gwinn; and Kevin (Glennda Swanson) Brady of Negaunee; his grandchildren, Bryce, Brennan, Greg Jr, Brock, and Zoie Retaskie, Beth (Patrick) Diedrich, Jamie Rosten, Mariah Adams, Aubrey Clark, Trecia, Maddy, Hayden, Austin, and Parker Brady; his mother, Jean Retaskie of Marquette; three brothers, Edward “Jim” Retaskie Jr and William (Lola) Retaskie both of Marquette, and Michael (Kim) Retaskie of Warner Robbins, GA; a sister-in-law, Ann Marie Retaskie of Marquette; his mother-in-law, Lorraine Anderson of Marquette; friend and former wife, Cheryl “Chick” Libbick of Big Bay; and many nieces and nephews. Gary was preceded in death by his father, Edward J. Retaskie Sr., a brother, Richard J. Retaskie, sister-in-law, Beverly Retaskie; and father-in-law, Richard Anderson.
Friends may call at the Fassbender Funeral Home on Monday, July 16, from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2:00 pm Monday afternoon in St. Michael Catholic Church with Rev. Msgr. Jed Patrick, pastor, as celebrant. Burial will be made in the Holy Cross Cemetery. A dessert luncheon will be held in the St. Michael Parish Center.
Gary’s children would like to express their appreciation to Gary’s wife, Sandy, and her children, for the compassionate and loving care given to their father throughout his illness.