Janetta Augustine

Obituary

Janetta Ruth Augustine devoted her time on earth to her family, gardening, baking, and cats and she loved them all dearly. She worked hard from morning to night taking care of the people and animals around her, always with a whistle or song that brought joy to the world around her. Whether she was weeding the garden, baking sunflower seed bars, or feeding the cats in the barn, she sang and laughed so joyfully one couldn’t help but join in.

Janetta Ruth Rettig was born August 26, 1941, the third child of Walter and Helena Rettig. She joined sisters Annasonia and Marietta, and later, brother Clinton completed the family. On their Brownton farm, she learned to work hard, always with a song in her voice.

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Penn Township was the setting for Janetta’s God-centered life. She was baptized there on September 14, 1941 and was confirmed in her faith on April 3, 1955. Her confirmation verse, Psalm 86:11 would idealize her days throughout her life: Teach me your way, O Lord, and I will walk in your truth. Give me an undivided heart, that I may fear your name.” On November 9, 1961, Janetta and Wayne Augustine started their journey together when they married at St. Matthews, and then joined the congregation of Immanuel Lutheran in New Auburn.

Janetta and Wayne farmed together outside of New Auburn—working the field and milking cows. They raised two children—David and Denise—who knew that every day would include a home-cooked meal, often straight from the garden, complete with bars, cakes, pies, and of course, fresh strawberries or raspberries with ice cream. Janetta knew how to take care of her family. When her three grandchildren came along, she loved them with hugs, songs, and of course, her cooking. In recent years, Janetta’s memory was taken from her, but her family will always remember her voice, her songs, her laughter, and her love.

On October 19, 2018, Janetta received the blessing of eternal life with her Lord and Savior at the age of 77 years. She is joined in heaven by those going before her: her parents, Walter and Helena Rettig; her sisters, Annasonia Rose and Marietta Novotny; her mother and father in-law, Earl and Leona Augustine; and brothers-in-law, Ervin Rose and Joe Leonard. She is remembered dearly by her family here on earth: husband, Wayne Augustine; daughter, Denise Augustine; son, David and Sheila Augustine; grandchildren, Kira, Ellie and Charles Augustine; brother, Clinton and Marilyn Rettig; brother-in-law, Gerald and Emelie Augustine; sister-in-law, Phyllis Leonard; and many other family members.

We are comforted knowing Janetta is at peace, bringing joy to the company of angels surrounding her.