Service Information
Bruce Rethlake, age 84, of Litchfield, passed away Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at Meeker Memorial Hospital in Litchfield.
A Public Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2020, from 11:30 – 1:30 P.M. at St. Philip’s Catholic Church in Litchfield.
A Private Family Mass of Christian Burial will take place. Interment will be held in the Calvary Cemetery in Litchfield, Minnesota.
Memorials are preferred to the Litchfield Community Education's Jr. Golf Program: 307 East 6th Street, Litchfield, MN 55355.
Obituary
Bruce Steven Rethlake was born on October 21, 1935, in Litchfield, Minnesota. He was the son of Bernard and Florence (Cropp) Rethlake. Bruce was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. He was a graduate of Litchfield High School Class of 1953.
On April 28, 1956, Bruce was united in marriage to Darlene Stitz at St. Philip’s Catholic Church in Litchfield. This marriage was blessed with three children, Pam, Leslie and Brian. Bruce and Darlene resided in Darwin Township, rural Litchfield, and farmed the Rethlake Family farm. They shared 55 years of marriage together until Darlene passed away on October 19, 2011.
In 1966 he was employed by 3M company in Hutchinson, MN and retired after 30 years having worked as a supervisor, first responder, CPR instructor, and as a member of the Haz Mat response team.
Bruce was a member of Saint Phillips Catholic Church, served on the Darwin Township Board as a clerk and supervisor for over 20 years, and served in the Minnesota National Guard.
He enjoyed bowling, golfing, wood working, welding, and crafting. He also enjoyed traveling, motorcycle touring, and playing cards with friends. He loved to dance with Darlene and he always put his family first.
Bruce passed away on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at the Meeker Memorial Hospital in Litchfield, at the age of 84 years.
Bruce is survived by his:
Children, Pam Rethlake-Homolka and her husband, Doug, of Savage, MN,
Leslie Valiant of Litchfield, MN,
Brian Rethlake and his wife, Jane, of Litchfield, MN;
Grandchildren, Ashley Rethlake-Homolka, Emily (Scott) Lewis, Jennifer (Justin) Ogg, Matthew (Andrea Anderson) Valiant,
Leah Rethlake, and Amber Rethlake;
Great Grandchildren, Jackson and Beckett Lewis, Colten, Kallen, Isabelle, and Abigail Ogg, and Desi, Wyatt, and Lyanna Valiant;
Sister, Beatrice Wallmow and her husband, Howard, of Litchfield;
Many other relatives and friends.
Bruce is preceded in death by his Parents, Bernard and Florence Rethlake; Wife, Darlene Rethlake; and Siblings, Greg Rethlake, Marlys Mouser, and Jeanene Rethlake.
Donna Engelen says
My sympathies to Bruce’s family. I knew Bruce from 3M. One of the ‘good guys’.
Tom Benson says
I am sorry for your lose. Bruce was a good friend and coworker
Chris and Sandy Bostrom says
Brian, Jane and family you have us in your thoughts and Prayers!
Bruce & Sharon Dicke says
Sympathies to everyone… Bruce was a wonderful man..
Kathy (Anderson) Nelson says
My deepest sympathy to the Rethlake family.
jens peterson says
sorry to see bruce passed. he was one of the good guys. i will miss playing golf with him.
Karen Hoffmann says
Rethlake family–sending our sympathy and remembering all of you in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless!
Larry and Karen Hoffmann
Dean and Jean Campbell says
Brian and Jane and the Rethlake family,
Our sympathy to you. May God wrap his arms around you for peace and comfort in the days and weeks ahead.
Betty and Merle Cropp says
Our sympathy to everyone
Gary and Sue Schrotberger says
So sorry for your loss. Stay strong and remember the good times
Gary and Donna Olson says
Leslie & family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time may your memories keep him in your hearts. Will miss seeing your Dad out for breakfast at Swan’s and dinner at the Legion always with a smile and warm hello. God be with you.
Marlene Hedquist (Marlene Speckel) aka. Speck says
Our deepest sympathies to the family of Bruce Rethlake. Bruce and Darlene were in our group of friends all through school.
We all grew up together. They were both wonderfull people. Bruce and I went to St. Phillips church back in the 40’s & 50’s.
Our prayers are with the family.
Allen Lendt says
Brian, Jane, Leah and Amber and family, I’m sorry for your loss. I did visit with Bruce at the bowling alley whenever I got to see him on Tuesday nights. I will miss the conversations with him. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. May God bless your family at this time of loss.
Jean Larson says
Prayers to the family of Bruce he was a very special person will miss him coming into Legion with his wonderful smile and hugs!!
Jan Werner says
I knew Bruce from 3M and had a lot of respect for Him. He was always fair and always honest. My sympathy. Jan Werner
Donna Telecky says
Hugs and prayers to Bruce’s family. Bruce was a great guy, always so friendly, always enjoyed talking to him at bowling and 3m events. God bless.
Katie Salmela says
Thinking of you, Pam, and your family. Sending prayers of peace and comfort your way. I am so sorry for your loss.
Gail Bulau says
My deepest sympathy to the Rethlake family. He is a good friend got to know him better
At 3M
Nyounee Neor says
My condolences to the Rethlake family. I pray the Lord provides warmth and guidance in this time.